Question : Uniform Civil Code

(a) the details of initiatives taken/being taken by the Government towards implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country as envisaged under Article 44 of the Constitution;
(b) whether the Government has referred the matter to Law Commission of India (LCI) for examination and report and if so, the details thereof along with the time limit given to LCI for the purpose;
(c) whether the Supreme Court has issued any directions/suggestions with regard to the implementation of UCC; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government in compliance thereof?

A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND
ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI P.P.CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (b): Article 44 of the Directive Principles of the Constitution provides that State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. In view of the importance of the subject matter and sensitivity involved, and it requiring in-depth study of the provisions of various personal laws governing different communities, the same has been referred to the Law Commission of India for its detailed and exhaustive examination of various issues relating to uniform civil code by undertaking wider consultations with all stakeholders and to make recommendations thereof.

(c)to (d): The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in Mohammad Ahmed Khan Vs. Shah Bano Begum (AIR 1985 SC 945), Jorden Diengdeh Vs. S.S. Chopra (AIR 1985 SC935), Sarla Mudgal Vs. Union of India and Others [1995 (3) SSC 635] and John Vallamattom Vs. Union of India (AIR 2003 SC 2902), has desired for bringing in a uniform civil code.