NEW DELHI, Feb 14: The Mizoram Assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted an official resolution opposing any move to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country.
Home Minister Lalchamliana moved the resolution which said, “That this House unanimously resolved to oppose any steps taken or proposed to be taken for enactment of UCC in India.”
While moving the resolution Mr. Lalchamliana pointed out that the UCC, if enacted, “would disintegrate the country as it was an attempt to terminate the religious or social practices, customary laws, cultures and traditions of the religious minorities, including the Mizos.” He claimed that several attempts had been made in the past to implement the UCC but was pending till now due to its “controversial nature.”
In December last year, a private member bill to enact the UCC was introduced by a BJP MP in the Rajya Sabha, he pointed out. “The proposed law is pending for enactment in parliament. The propose law aims at imposing a uniform code in the country by marginalising or terminating the religious or social practices, customary laws, cultures and traditions of the minorities,” Mr. Lalchamliana said.
“Although Mizoram has a special provision to protect its social or religious practices, customary laws and procedures under Article 371 G, implementation of the UCC is not healthy for India as a whole,” he added.
Article 371G of the constitution states that no act of Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Mizos, Mizo customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law, ownership and transfer of land, shall apply to Mizoram unless the State legislature by a resolution so decides.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga, opposition Congress leader Zodintluanga, Zo People’s Legislature Party leader Lalduhoma, lone BJP legislator B.D. Chakma and ruling MNF member C. Lalmuanpuia participated in the discussion on the resolution.
Mr. Chakma argued that it was too early to oppose the UCC as it has not been enacted yet. The BJP legislator said recently the Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to a question from Mizoram Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena, had clarified that no decision had been taken on implementing the UCC as of now.
Mr. Zoramthanga said it was the right time to oppose the UCC before its enactment. He said the UCC, if implemented, “would harm the existence of the country.” Mr. Lalduhoma and Mr. Zodintluanga strongly supported the resolution. The House later unanimously adopted the resolution.
(Manas Dasgupta)
