NEW DELHI: A massive uproar erupted in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour on Friday after BJP member Kirodi Lal Meena sought permission to introduce a private member bill on the uniform civil code (UCC).
The proposed Uniform Civil Code of India Bill 2020 drew stiff opposition from various parties, which feared that it could result in national disintegration. However, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal (BJP) stood by Meena’s ‘legitimate right’ to raise an issue that comes under the directive principles of the Constitution.
The bill seeks to set up a national inspection and probe panel for preparation of the UCC. Members of the Congress, CPI, CPI (M) and Trinamool Congress were vocal in their opposition, saying it will destroy India’s social fabric.
When Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar put the motion to vote, it was passed with 63 ayes against 23 nays. CPI (M)’s John Brittas said the UCC is neither necessary nor desirable in the country. Santosh Kumar (CPI) called it a dangerous bill.
Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said that the proposed legislation carries an idea that is totally contrary to the country’s fabric of secularism. While UCC is an article of faith for the BJP, the party line is it will be done through legislation in BJP-ruled states and not via a Central law.