UCC must for gender parity, says VP Jagdeep Dhankhar

NEW DELHI: Close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi espousing a secular civil code for the nation during his Independence Day speech, vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday stressed on the need for a uniform civil code (UCC), saying it is a “constitutional ordainment” as it is mentioned in the Directive Principles. UCC will be a big contributor to the cause of gender justice, he said.

“Uniform civil code is a constitutional ordainment. It is in Directive Principles (of State Policy). The Supreme Court has severely that it is being delayed but UCC, which has been on the shelf for too long, is a small measure of justice to your (women) segment… It will help in several ways but majorly it will help your gender,” Dhankhar said while addressing students of Bharati College, a women’s college affiliated to the University of Delhi.

Article 44 of the Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), suggests that there should be a UCC in the country. However, provisions listed under DPSP are not binding on the government and hence not justiciable.

PM Modi had also stated in his speech that the Supreme Court has often suggested that there should be a UCC.

Dhankhar emphasised that a UCC would ensure gender parity in society and at the workplace as well as help create a level playing field for all.