Ayush Ranjan Jha, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
ABSTRACT
I personally do not understand why religion should be given this vast, expansive jurisdiction to cover the whole of life and to prevent the legislature from encroaching upon that field.
— B.R. Ambedkar
In India, we are governed by a code of criminal procedure that is applicable to all, irrespective of religion, caste, gender and domicile. However, a similar code does not exist especially concerning divorce and succession, and different personal laws still govern us. These personal laws vary in their sources, philosophy, and application. Thus, a major constraint arises when people from different religions are brought under one roof. The Uniform Civil Code is distinguished from public law and covers marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance laws.
Though Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was an immense supporter of the Uniform Civil Code, he couldn’t get it through more than a status of Directive Principle due to opposition from the other members. This directive principle is aimed to achieve, gradually, a broad concept of equality for all citizens. The state has been entrusted with this voluminous task. However, no significant steps have been taken by any government till now.
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