Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Naredra Modi said there have been many discussion on Uniform Civil Code in the past and it the “need of the hour” to have a secular civil code in the country that should be ‘secular’ and not ‘discriminatory’.
“There should be discussions on the Uniform Civil Code. The present civil code appears to be ‘communal’. India needs a ‘secular’ civil code. It is need of hour to have a secular civil code and do away with discriminatory communal civil code,” Modi said in Independennce Day speech, over two months after returned to pwoer for a record-equalling third term.
“Supreme Court has held discussions regarding Uniform Civil Code again and again, it has given orders several times. A large section of the country believes — and it is true, that the Civil Code that we are living with is actually a Communal Civil Code in a way…I would say that it is the need of the hour to that there be a Secular Civil Code in the country…only then would we be free of the discrimination on the basis of religion…” he added.
Modi said widespread discussions are needed and urged everyone to share their opinions. He said that laws dividing the country along religious lines should be abolished, as they have no place in a modern society.
For years, the BJP has been a strong advocate for replacing India’s religion-based laws with a uniform civil code, which would establish a common set of rules for issues like marriage, inheritance, and divorce, regardless of religious affiliation. Prime Minister Modi and his party have consistently supported this initiative, arguing that the current system allows non-Hindu communities—particularly Muslims—to follow their own religious laws. A uniform civil code would likely standardize these practices, potentially banning certain personal laws related to marriage and divorce.The push for a Uniform Civil Code has been a key element in the BJP’s agenda, as reflected in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. Several BJP-led state governments have already begun moves to implement such a code.In a significant move, the BJP-led government in Uttarakhand passed the uniform civil code in its state assembly earlier this year, effectively serving as a test case. Historically, successive governments have avoided amending these religion-based laws, fearing backlash from voters of all faiths. If the BJP attempts to introduce this measure in the current parliament, it is likely that Modi’s key regional allies—many of whom govern states with substantial Muslim populations—may hesitate to support the initiative.
