NEW DELHI: JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav criticized the Law Commission for initiation consultation on Uniform Civil Code without having comprehensive discussion and consensus on the issue.
Raising the matter in Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, Yadav said that the Law Commission has written to all state chief ministers including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seeking views on Uniform Civil Code.
Yadav said that it is beyond Commission’s mandate as the Constitution provides for moving towards such step only when there is a consensus.
“The constitution provides people of all religions freedom to practice their traditions and practices. The Law commission without any discussion is going ahead with consultation process. Law commission is going beyond its mandate,” said Yadav.
Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government and others should refrain from joining the issue as assembly elections were on in five states and Uniform Civil Code can be turned into an agenda for raising people’s emotions.
Deputy Chirman P J Kurien told the house that he allowed Yadav to make a statement as he is a senior member and gave the notice under Section 267.
“I am not allowing the motion under section 267 for discussing the issue in the house,” Kurien said.
Replying to it, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that no step was being taken against the Constitution.
Kurien asked him not to speak on the issue as it is sensitive and Azad also reiterated that if government will speak then opposition would have to join the discussion