READERS PULSE 26-FEBRUARY-2023

Heated discussions are in the media regarding the application of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). One of the arguments put forth by the pro-UCC groups is that Article 44 of the Constitution of India which seeks to introduce a uniform personal law is a decisive step towards national integration.

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UCC will Prove a Highly Disruptive, Disintegrative Force

Heated discussions are in the media regarding the application of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). One of the arguments put forth by the pro-UCC groups is that Article 44 of the Constitution of India which seeks to introduce a uniform personal law is a decisive step towards national integration.

I would like to say that to believe a uniform civil code would promote national integration and consolidation is an exploded myth. The western countries locked up in two world wars had a common civil code. Relations between Hindus and Sikhs in independent India got sour despite the common Hindu law applicable to them. Sikhs in Delhi protested and burnt down the controversial part of the Constitution which defined “Hindus” to include “Sikhs”.

And how far have our common civil and criminal laws promoted national integration? In fact, we are committed to a federation and we have different assemblies making different laws for their respective states. Family laws differ in different states of the U.S., yet they pose no challenge to the country’s national consolidation. Divorce, for example, is easier in certain states, some even change their domicile to take advantage of the laxity of laws.

India is a plural society. The various communities, including Hindus, tribals and others, have their own personal laws. The Muslim law is divine that allows no interference. The Hindus follow a different system, based on customs and gospels of their religion. The provision of Articles 231 A (I) and (G) protests the customary laws and social practices of Nagas and Mizos.

In view of facts narrated in supra paras, it is my humble opinion that a uniform civil code is an impossibility and will prove a highly Disruptive and Disintegrative force.

Farooq AbdulgafarBawani

Rajkot, Gujarat

Opposition Parties Criticise BBC Offices Raids

The income tax department has raided the BBC offices recently.The opposition parties have criticised that the IT raids show revenge for BBC documentary critical of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi of India over 2002Gujarat riots. Mr.M.K. Stalin, Tamil Nadu CM has condemned incometax survey on BBC. He quoted that “Transparent and independentinstitutions are vital for any vibrantdemocracy. Latest political tools,such as ED, CBI and IT dept. etc. areliberally used to target political opponents.Why was Gujarat documentary banned?

Chowdhry Nisar Ahmed

Noorullah pet, Ambur (Tamil Nadu)

Centre to Take over 123 Delhi Waqf Board Properties?

Delhi Waqf Board chairman and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan has alleged that the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has decided to take over 123 properties of the Delhi Waqf Board, including mosques, dargahs and graveyards.Mr. Khan asserted that he will not allow the central government to take over the Waqf properties. He said that the deputy land and development officer, in a letter to the board on February 8, informed it of the decision to “absolve” it from all matters pertaining to the 123 Waqf properties.

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the central ministry said the two-member committee, formed by the government of India on the order of the Delhi High Court, headed by Justice (retired) SP Garg on the issue of denotified Waqf properties in its report submitted that no representation or objection was received by it from the Delhi Waqf Board.

But Mr. Khan said that the committee was informed on April 12 last year about Waqf Board’s petition in the high court, challenging its formation and asking it to defer its proceedings until a final order was passed by the court. The matter is pending in the high court.

According to the Waqf Act, all the Waqf properties vest in the concerned Waqf Board, which in the present case, is Delhi Waqf Board, Mr Khan claimed. A major conflict between the Delhi Waqf Board and the central ministry’sL&DO is to take place. Concerned and justice-loving citizens should try to protect these waqf properties.

Ajmal Shaikh

Sarai Jullena, New Delhi