The Indian constitution provides for separate laws to govern certain aspects of our lives, on the basis of our religion. So much for our unity amidst diversity, so much for being secular, this means that the manner in which we inherit property or carry out divorces is guided by scriptures written in a regressive era, rather than our modern laws.

In a bid to make progress as a society the government has proposed a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.This bill connotes that irrespective of our differences and diversity, we must be guided by a tantamount set of laws as a nation. While the center has has been pushing for the passage of this progressive bill, certain ‘secularists’ seem to have a problem with the uniform treatment of all religious communities.

The constitution itself seems to be in a quandary on this matter. Article 28 of the constitution guarantees religious freedom to all communities, while article 44 stresses on a common law to govern all citizens. Thus a legal intervention into this debate will need to clarify the provisions of these articles before proceeding.

Besides religion, the proposed draft also takes into account uniformity among various sexes and sexual orientations. To mitigate the prevailing gender based inequality, the law shall ensure equal inheritance rights for daughters, besides various provisions which come as a relief in the predominantly patriarchal society of ours.

It appalls me to note that a country like ours, still hasn’t legalized same-sex marriages and the issue continues to be treated like a taboo in the society. The LGBTQ+ community has gone through gore injustice because of stereotypical mindsets and regressive policies. The Uniform Civil Code, if passed, will surely help them attain the equality and equity which they have forever desired.

The people who oppose this proposal also opposed the abolishment of the Triple Talaq and Nikah Halala judgements back in 2017. While their apprehensions regarding their culture being wiped out are somewhat justified, according to me if this policy is well-executed it will bolster the increase of inter and intra religious harmony. 

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