Law Commission seeks public, religious bodies' views on UCC

Almost four years after the Law Commission of India came out with a consultation paper, stating that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was "neither necessary nor desirable at this stage", the Commission on Wednesday set about to examine the issue afresh as it solicited views and suggestions on UCC from the public and recognised religious organisations.

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI: "Since more than three years have been lapsed from the date of issuance of the said Consultation Paper, bearing in mind the relevance and importance of the subject and also the various Court orders on the subject, the 22nd Law Commission of India considered it expedient to deliberate afresh over the subject," stated the public notice, issued by the Commission, headed by former Karnataka high court chief justice Ritu Raj Awasthi.

The notice mentioned that after the reference dated June 17, 2016 was sent by the Ministry of Law & Justice, the 22nd Law Commission has been examining the subject matter of UCC.

"Accordingly, the 22nd Law Commission has decided again to solicit views and ideas of the public at large and recognised religious organizations about a UCC. Those who are interested and willing may present their views within a period of 30 days from the date of Notice," it added.

In June 2016, the Ministry of Law and Justice, made a reference to the Law Commission to examine all matters relating to the implementation of a UCC. The Law Commission, however, did not submit a final report on the issue and furnished a consultation paper on "Reform of Family Law" in August 2018.