Private members' bill on UCC introduced in RS amid protests

A Private Members' Bill on the Uniform Civil Code that had been listed several times in the past in Rajya Sabha was moved by BJP member Kirodi Lal Meena on Friday amid protests from the Opposition while the government claimed it is his right to introduce the Bill.

The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020 that seeks constitution of the National Inspection and Investigation Committee for preparation of Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout the country was moved in the Rajya Sabha by Meena when Private Members' legislative business was taken up in the second half on Friday. Though this Bill had been listed several times in previous sessions, it was never moved and Meena would be absent from the House when the Chair would announce his name.


However, this time Meena- ostensibly backed by the government- moved the Bill. As soon as this process began, Opposition members vociferously opposed it on the ground that it would disturb peace and hurt the secular credentials of the country.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar pacified the protesting members and gave them an opportunity to voice their concerns.


Leader of the House Piyush Goyal, who spoke after several members had voiced their opposition, said he was pained that members are making certain comments quoting Ambedkar. He insisted that UCC was made a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy by the Constituent Assembly after careful thought. "Let this subject be debated... At this stage, to cast aspersions on the government and criticize the Bill at the introduction stage is uncalled for," he said, asking the Chair to allow introduction and then the House can decide on the merits of the Bill.


A Private Members' Bill, even if passed by the House, does not become law until the government endorses it and moves it as an official Bill.


When the Chairperson sought the sense of the House on introduction of the Bill, the Opposition sought a division. It was cleared with 63 voting in favour of introduction while 23 opposed. There was thin attendance in the House with most of the Opposition benches, especially many Congress, TMC and AAP members absent.

The Bill will come up for discussion and passage at a later date.

The Opposition benches strongly protested against the introduction of the Bill. Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said the Bill is against some Articles of the Constitution, including Article 26(b) and Article 29(1) that deals with cultural rights, and hence should be withdrawn. He argued that the Constituent Assembly- which had the "intellectual cream" of its time- did not enforce it.

John Brittas (CPM) opposed the Bill, saying it is against the spirit of the Constitution and is an "uncivil Code" that will lead to polarization and is detrimental to the country.