Raipur: The public dialogue and participation of various social organizations regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Chhattisgarh continues unabated. In this series, representatives of Swyam Prabha Foundation and Amrapali Cooperative Housing Society Limited, Raipur, presented important suggestions before the Uniform Civil Code Committee.
The members of the Uniform Civil Code Committee—retired IAS officer M.K. Raut and senior advocate Mohan Pawar—seriously heard the suggestions presented by the delegation. The committee stated that these suggestions would be duly considered during proper examination and deliberation. The representatives expressed confidence that a Uniform Civil Code prepared on the basis of broad public participation and the views of various communities could prove to be an important initiative in strengthening social justice, women’s empowerment, protection of civil rights, and social harmony.
Emphasis on Equal Legal Rights and Harmony
The representatives suggested that the objective of the Uniform Civil Code should be to provide equal legal rights to all citizens, just protection to women, and to promote equality and harmony in society. At the same time, it is essential to ensure the protection of Chhattisgarh’s distinct tribal culture, traditions, and constitutional rights.
Shiv Narayan Mundra, President of Swyam Prabha Foundation, Dr. Mukesh Shah, and Indranath Singh, President of Amrapali Cooperative Housing Society Limited, presented their suggestions regarding the Uniform Civil Code. They said that establishing equality in laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, property, and family rights would make it easier for citizens to obtain justice. This would help simplify legal processes and develop a uniform legal system for all citizens.
Special Priority to Women’s Rights
Giving special priority to women’s rights, the representatives said that effective provisions should be made to eliminate social evils like polygamy, inequalities related to maintenance, and discrimination in property rights. In particular, it is essential to provide equal rights to daughters in ancestral property and just protection to women in matters of marriage and divorce.
Concern Over Protection of Tribal Traditions
Referring to the tribal population of Chhattisgarh, the delegation said that about 32 percent of the state’s population belongs to tribal communities. These communities have their own distinct social systems, cultural identities, and centuries-old traditions. Therefore, before implementing the Uniform Civil Code, special attention should be paid to their traditions, social interests, and constitutional protections so that the rights of no community are adversely affected.
Demand for Clear Provisions on Live-in Relationships
Suggestions were also given on the social and legal aspects related to live-in relationships. The representatives said that consideration should be given to an appropriate legal system for the registration of such relationships. At the same time, clear and just provisions are necessary to ensure the inheritance and property rights and future security of children born from such relationships.
