Portrait of Narendra Modi
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Narendra Modi on Uniform Civil Code

Strong advocate (strong)

TL;DR

Narendra Modi strongly advocates for a Uniform Civil Code, framing it as a secular necessity for legal equality.

Key Points

  • He has publicly urged political parties to unite in favour of a secular Uniform Civil Code to end social differences.

  • He framed the UCC as aligning with the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 44 of the Constitution.

  • His party's manifesto for the 2024 Indian General Elections stated that a uniform civil code is in the interest of the nation.

Summary

Narendra Modi has given a renewed push to the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), frequently reframing the proposal as a “secular civil code.” He argues that the existing patchwork of religion-based personal laws is communal and out of sync with contemporary society, while a common code is necessary to fulfill the vision of the Constitution makers and ensure equality before the law for all citizens. Proponents, including the Prime Minister, contend that a UCC will advance gender justice and national integration by removing religious obstacles in matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

The call for a secular civil code is presented by him as vital for strengthening the spirit of democracy and ending religious discrimination. This stance has been a key ideological aim of his party, with the push intensified following the first state-level implementation of a UCC. Critics, however, express concern that the code, especially without a finalized draft, threatens religious and cultural diversity, which aligns with India's unique concept of secularism where religious communities have historically managed their own civil affairs.

Key Quotes

...a common civil code would be a step towards eliminating gender discrimination in personal laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Narendra Modi is a strong advocate for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He consistently frames the UCC as a necessary measure to establish a secular civil code, which he believes will promote gender equality and national integration. He views the existing separate personal laws as communal and discriminatory.

The Prime Minister has reiterated his call for a secular civil code recently, including in his Independence Day address in August 2024. He often links the need for the code to constitutional ideals and the goal of equal laws for all citizens. His administration has actively supported steps toward its introduction, such as in the state of Uttarakhand.

He supports the UCC primarily on the grounds of equality and constitutional duty, arguing that it will eradicate gender discrimination embedded in certain personal laws. He suggests that having dual laws based on religion undermines the spirit of democracy. The Prime Minister contends it is the way to ensure justice for all people.