Implementing Uniform Civil Code will destroy diversity of nation: Senior Advocate P Wilson to Law Commission

Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), P Wilson has written to the 22nd Law Commission of India, questioning its decision to reopen public consultation on the issue of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)..In his letter dated July 3, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP claimed that implementation of a Uniform Civil Code will destroy the diversity of the nation..Wilson further said that the UCC was a risk to India's secularism. Once implemented, the UCC could wipe away the unique traditions and cultures of minorities, he stated..He questioned why the issue, which had been studied in depth already, was being re-opened now.He added that further consultations on this topic appeared strange and that the Commission was perhaps attempting to dilute the findings of the 2018 Consultation Paper published by the 21st Law Commission of India, which had been against the introduction of a UCC..“India is a diverse nation, having religious, cultural and linguistic diversity like none other. As per a report, India is home to 398 languages, out of which 387 are actively spoken and 11 are extinct. Even within Hinduism, there are several sub-cultures, each with their own unique identity, tradition and customs. If you take one set of personal laws and apply it with brute force to all religions, sub-sects and denominations, it would destroy their uniqueness and diversity,” his letter said..Wilson also asked the 22nd Law Commission of India to furnish details pertaining to the consultation, including the expenditure incurred, in calling for the consultations and meetings, publishing the questionnaire, etc. on the topic of UCC.He further sought a list of participants, respondents, and consultants who have participated in such consultation and the steps taken on the recommendations and suggestions highlighted in the paper released by the 21st Law Commission of India.Wilson added that even within Hindus, certain groups, such as tribal groups, do not support the implementation of the UCC..“Matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights fall under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, which allows both the central and state governments to legislate on these subjects. However, Article 44 stipulates that a Uniform Civil Code will be applicable to ‘citizens throughout the territory of India’, suggesting that States may not have the power to amend it,” the letter stated further..[Read Letter]