Hussain Dalwai Demands Muslim and Christian Members on Maharashtra UCC Committee
On Friday, July 10, senior Congress leader and former minister Hussain Dalwai submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra, objecting to the lack of Christian and Muslim representation in the newly formed seven-member committee tasked with drafting rules for the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The objection followed an announcement by Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, July 9, regarding the state government's decision to form the committee. The panel is expected to draft comprehensive rules for the UCC and submit its report within six months, with the government aiming to table the Bill during the upcoming winter session in Nagpur.
In his memorandum, Dalwai urged the state government to restructure the committee to include representatives from the Christian and Muslim religions. He emphasized the need for wider consultation, advising the government to hold a dialogue with representatives of all religions, communities, and social organizations before taking a final decision.
"UCC is a sensitive issue which concerns every community, religion and segment of the society," Dalwai stated. "Therefore, the government should hold dialogue with representatives of all religions and communities."
Dalwai expressed serious concern over the current composition of the committee, arguing that a selective approach should not be taken on such matters. He noted that suggestions and objections from various groups are necessary for sensitive legislation, adding that an inclusive approach is integral to Maharashtra and its democracy.
The seven-member committee is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. Its other members are former Bombay High Court judges Justice RC Chavan and Justice SG Mehare, former Maharashtra chief secretary DK Jain, former Maharashtra Advocate-General Birendra Saraf, social activist Ramesh Patange, and educationist Dr Suvarna Rawal.
According to Fadnavis, the government intends to introduce the UCC legislation in both the legislative assembly and the council during the winter session in Nagpur.
Dalwai asserted that he was not taking an extreme stand on the proposed legislation. He stated that his concern is that the government cannot unilaterally make decisions on such matters without giving an audience to every segment of society, which he described as the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
