Uniform Civil Code: Law Commission Initiates Fresh Consultation; Seeks Public Input

New Delhi: The Law Commission of India has launched a new consultation process on the Uniform Civil Code, seeking the input of the general public and recognized religious organizations. The 22nd Law Commission aims to gather views and ideas on this matter, following the previous efforts of the 21st Law Commission.

The earlier commission had examined the subject and invited stakeholders to share their perspectives through appeals and questionnaires. In response to overwhelming feedback, the 21st Law Commission issued a consultation paper on “Reforms of Family Law” in 2018.

However, considering the passage of three years, the relevance of the topic, and related court orders, the 22nd Law Commission decided to initiate a fresh consultation process on the Uniform Civil Code.

The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a uniform set of personal laws that apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, gender, or caste. This code would cover various aspects of personal matters, including marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession. Currently, the personal laws of different communities are predominantly governed by their respective religious customs and practices. The proposed Uniform Civil Code aims to bring about uniformity and equality in personal laws across the nation.

By launching this new consultation process, the Law Commission of India intends to gather comprehensive input from the public and religious organizations on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. This initiative recognizes the importance and significance of the subject, taking into account the evolving legal landscape and the need for a unified approach to personal laws for all citizens.