UCC will adversely impact minority, tribal communities: SAD

“The [SAD] party believed that civil laws in the country were influenced by faith, belief, caste and customs and were different for different religions. These should be retained in the interest of safeguarding the social fabric as well as the concept of unity in diversity,” the senior leader added.

Cheema said that UCC was not granted the status of fundamental rights by the constitution makers, and was kept in the concurrent list and is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. “Changing this status is not desirable as it will cause friction in society. Besides minority communities, tribal societies who have their own personal laws will be most affected,” he added.

He further said that if any particular personal law is discriminatory it could be amended, but forming a UCC for the entire country is not advisable.

“The 21st Law Commission had also concluded that the UCC was neither feasible nor desirable. This recommendation was made after due diligence and feedback from the people,” Cheema said.

Calling for “wider consultation on the issue”, the SAD leader said “this should have been done before introducing a private member bill in this regard in the Rajya Sabha.”

He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for extending its support to the UCC, saying this has “exposed its anti-minorities’ face.” “AAP and its Convener Arvind Kejriwal promised badlav in Punjab, but are now openly supporting an issue which will cause strife in the civil society,” the SAD leader added.