Nagaland House resolution seeks exemption from UCC

In Nagaland, more than 86% of the population is from the Scheduled Tribes and there has been a pushback against a UCC from tribal bodies across the state.

The resolution stated that the Nagaland government had earlier conveyed its opposition to the UCC “on the ground of the unique history of Nagaland since the pre-Independent era” to the 22nd Law Commission which had invited suggestions regarding the UCC in June this year.

The Nagaland government had also held a consultative meeting on September 1 with tribal organisations and the resolution expressed their “strong resentment and objection to the idea of having a UCC.”

The resolution emphasised on Article 371(A) of the Constitution that states, “No act of Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas; Naga customary law and procedure; administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law; ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides.”

Earlier this year, in February, the Mizoram government, led by NDA member Mizo National Front, had also passed a resolution on the UCC. While the Nagaland assmebly’s resolution is against the implementation of the UCC in the state, the Mizoram Assembly’s resolution had stated that the House resolved to “oppose any step taken or proposed to be taken for enactment of Uniform Civil Code in India.”