Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Says Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Is Neither Practical Nor Appropriate

0
Uniform Civil Code neither practical nor appropriate, says Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma.
Ads

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has stated that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is neither practical nor appropriate, considering India’s diverse cultural and tribal communities. His remarks come in response to the ongoing national debate on the UCC, especially after Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement it.

Sangma emphasized that the UCC, as a concept of complete uniformity in civil laws, is not viable in a country as diverse as India. He argued that imposing uniformity across all communities would not be correct, particularly for tribal and indigenous groups that follow unique customs and traditions.

Uniform Civil Code and India’s Diversity

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposal to establish a common set of civil laws that would govern personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, regardless of religion or community. Proponents argue that the UCC would promote equality and secularism, while opponents, including Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, believe that it could undermine the cultural and traditional diversity of India.

Sangma pointed out that tribal and indigenous communities in India have distinctive legal and social practices that do not align with a one-size-fits-all approach. He stated, “A Uniform Civil Code, as a concept of making sure that everything becomes uniform, is not possible in India. There are tribal and indigenous communities with unique practices that may not align with uniformity.”

Meghalaya Government’s Stance on UCC

Clarifying Meghalaya’s position on the UCC, CM Conrad Sangma stated that his government has no plans to implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the rights and traditions of tribal communities, adding that the UCC is not on Meghalaya’s agenda.

“For us, as a state government, we are very clear. The Uniform Civil Code is not on our agenda. We respect the diverse identities of our tribal communities, and their traditional practices must be protected,” he said.

His stance reflects the broader concerns of Northeastern states, where a significant tribal population follows customary laws that govern personal and civil matters. Meghalaya, for instance, follows a matrilineal system, where property and lineage are passed through the mother’s side of the family.

Conrad Sangma on UCC and Indigenous Rights

While Sangma opposes the complete implementation of the UCC, he acknowledged that certain aspects of civil laws could be standardized while ensuring that the rights of indigenous communities are protected. He emphasized that it is crucial to consider the content of the UCC bill before making a decision on its implementation.

“If a bill at the national or state level were to declare that the entire country should adopt a matrilineal system, Meghalaya would support that because we are a matrilineal society,” he said.

Sangma’s statement underscores the importance of contextualizing legal reforms based on the cultural and social fabric of different regions. He argued that imposing a uniform legal framework on all communities could erode traditional customs, which have been followed for centuries.

Why is the Uniform Civil Code a Controversial Issue?

The debate on the Uniform Civil Code has been ongoing in India for several decades. The Indian Constitution, under Article 44, mentions the UCC as a directive principle of state policy, encouraging the government to work toward a common civil code. However, personal laws based on religion have continued to govern family matters for various communities.

Supporters of the UCC argue that:

  • It would ensure gender equality by eliminating discriminatory practices in personal laws.
  • A uniform set of laws would simplify the legal system, making civil matters more transparent and accessible.
  • It would reinforce the secular nature of India by ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law.

Opponents, including tribal communities, religious groups, and regional leaders, argue that:

  • The UCC could undermine cultural and religious autonomy, especially for tribal groups and minority communities.
  • Imposing uniformity disregards the historical and traditional practices of diverse communities.
  • Some tribal and indigenous customs provide stronger social protections than the proposed UCC reforms.

Uttarakhand’s Implementation of UCC and Its Impact

Recently, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code, setting a precedent for other states. This move has sparked discussions across the country, with states like Gujarat and Assam also considering similar legislation. However, states like Meghalaya and Nagaland, which have tribal-majority populations, have expressed concerns over the feasibility of the UCC in their regions.

The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand has brought renewed attention to whether the central government will push for nationwide adoption or allow states to decide individually. CM Conrad Sangma’s remarks highlight the challenges of imposing a uniform legal framework on a country as diverse as India.

Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma’s opposition to the Uniform Civil Code reflects the concerns of tribal and indigenous communities, who fear that the UCC may not be practical or appropriate for India’s diverse population. While acknowledging that certain civil laws could be standardized, he firmly stated that Meghalaya has no plans to implement the UCC.

As the national debate on the UCC continues, it remains to be seen whether the central government will pursue a uniform legal framework or allow state-specific adaptations that respect the cultural and social diversity of India.

Ads

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here