High Court Backs Uniform Civil Code, Urges Centre To Take Necessary Steps

Uniform Civil Code: The modern Indian society was "gradually becoming homogenous, the traditional barriers of religion, community and caste are slowly dissipating" and thus Uniform Civil Code "ought not to remain a mere hope", Justice Prathiba M Singh stated in the high court order dated July 7.

Favouring the introduction of Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Delhi High Court has said the Indian youth need not be forced to struggle with issues arising due to conflicts in various personal laws in relation to marriage and divorce. The modern Indian society was "gradually becoming homogenous, the traditional barriers of religion, community and caste are slowly dissipating" and thus Uniform Civil Code "ought not to remain a mere hope", Justice Prathiba M Singh stated in an order dated July 7. "The youth of India belonging to various communities, tribes, castes or religions who solemnise their marriages ought not to be forced to struggle with issues arising due to conflicts in various personal laws, especially in relation to marriage and divorce," the order said. While referring to several decisions of the Supreme court on the need for Uniform Civil Code, including the historical Shah Bano case of 1985, the high court said: "The hope expressed in Article 44 of the Constitution that the State shall secure for its citizens Uniform Civil Code ought not to remain a mere hope."