Congress Leader Dalwai Flags Lack of Christian, Muslim Members in UCC Panel

Senior Congress leader and former minister Hussain Dalwai on Friday submitted a memorandum to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, raising objections over the composition of a committee set up to draft rules for the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) legislation. Dalwai highlighted the absence of representatives from Christian and Muslim communities in the panel.

In the memorandum, Dalwai advised the state government to hold a dialogue with representatives of all religions and communities, underlining that the UCC concerns all sections of society. He stated, “UCC is a sensitive issue which concerns every community, religion and segment of the society. Therefore, the government should hold dialogue with representatives of all religions and communities. It should invite and hold discussions with all social organisations. Only after taking into consideration suggestions and objections from all sections should the government take a final decision on this subject.”

The Uniform Civil Code, which seeks to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures with a common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, has been a politically polarising topic. The committee, appointed by the state government, is tasked with drafting rules for its implementation, but Dalwai argued that its current composition lacks inclusivity.

Dalwai’s memorandum comes amid ongoing debates over the UCC, with various religious groups expressing concerns about potential impacts on their customs and practices. The Congress leader’s intervention underscores the need for broader consultation before any legislative move.