Congress criticizes Modi's remarks on civil code as an insult to BR Ambedkar
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The Congress party condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day remarks as a "gross insult" to BR Ambedkar, perceiving his comments on the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as undermining Ambedkar’s contributions to personal law reforms in India.
In his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi advocated for discussions on implementing a UCC, which he described as necessary for establishing a "secular" and non-discriminatory legal framework.
The proposed UCC aims to create a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and adoption for all citizens, replacing the community-specific laws currently in place, except in Uttarakhand and Goa.
Modi stated, “A large section of the country believes, and it is true, that the civil code that we are living with is actually a communal civil code.” He emphasized the urgency of implementing a secular civil code to eliminate religious discrimination.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh responded sharply, arguing that Modi's remarks were a disservice to Ambedkar, who championed reforms in Hindu personal laws during the mid-1950s. Ramesh highlighted the opposition Ambedkar faced from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh during these reforms.
Ramesh also referenced the 2018 "Consultation Paper on Family Law Reform" by the 21st Law Commission, which suggested that while Indian cultural diversity should be celebrated, vulnerable groups should not be disadvantaged. The Commission argued against the necessity of a UCC, stating, “The mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy.”
Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja also criticized Modi’s speech, claiming it failed to address issues of national plurality and diversity. Raja accused the Prime Minister of attempting to impose uniformity on the country.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) argues that a UCC would ensure equality and justice for women, often denied rights under patriarchal personal laws. Critics, however, warn that a UCC could erase the personal law practices of minority communities.
