New Delhi: The 22nd Law Commission's term concludes on Saturday, August 31, with its pivotal report on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) still in progress. The commission, lacking a chairperson for several months, has completed its report on simultaneous elections, which is awaiting submission to the law ministry.
The absence of a chairperson has delayed the submission of the UCC report, as noted by insiders familiar with the process.
Justice (retired) Ritu Raj Awasthi, who led the commission, has recently been appointed to the Lokpal, the anti-corruption watchdog.
Earlier this year, a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind presented a report on 'one nation, one election'.
The previous commission began new consultations on the UCC last year. It had started drafting the report after gathering public suggestions when Justice Awasthi was appointed to the Lokpal.
In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a common code, criticizing the existing laws as "communal" and discriminatory. He advocated for a secular civil code to ensure equality and modernity in society.
According to Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, the State is tasked with ensuring a Uniform Civil Code across India.
Recently, Uttarakhand introduced its own UCC. The central government had previously referred the UCC issue to the 21st Law Commission, which operated until August 2018. This commission had sought stakeholder opinions and issued a consultation paper on "Reforms of Family Law."
The 21st Law Commission's consultation paper highlighted that while Indian culture's diversity should be celebrated, laws should avoid disadvantaging specific groups. It argued that a uniform civil code might not be necessary or desirable at that time, suggesting that democratic societies benefit from recognizing differences rather than enforcing uniformity.
The 22nd Law Commission began new consultations due to the time elapsed since the previous commission's efforts. The UCC has been a prominent agenda in BJP manifestos, aiming to establish a common law applicable to all citizens, covering areas like personal laws, inheritance, adoption, and succession.
The Union Cabinet extended the term of the 22nd Law Commission in February 2023. Originally constituted for three years starting February 21, 2020, and with Justice Awasthi assuming office on November 9, 2022, the extension was granted due to the limited time the commission had in office.
Uttarakhand to Implement Uniform Civil Code by November 9: Pushkar Singh Dhami
