Bill seeking Common Civil Code introduced

Members of the Trinamool Congress, a BJP ally, left the House before the division. Those belonging to other allies like the BJD, DMK and MDMK were, however, present.

In an attempt to enlist the support of the BJP8217;s quot;secularquot; allies, Congress members urged them to oppose the Bills.

Adityanath also introduced another non-official Bill on an equally controversial issue, seeking a ban on cow slaughter.

Muslim League member G M Banatwala lodged a strong protest against the Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill saying that it was not only outside the legislative competence of the House but also would heighten communal tension.

This Bill was, however, introduced by a voice vote after Speaker G M C Balayogi ruled that the House was competent to legislate on the matter.

According to Adityanath8217;s Bill seeking a Common Civil Code, the Constitution framers had directed the government that they should try to evolve a Uniform Civil Law for all citizens throughout the country.

The intention behind this was that when secularism was the avowed object of the Constitution, there should not be various civil laws based on different religions. Moreover, the Bill said, India was not a theocratic State and various civil laws in force at present were based on different religions.

To ensure uniformity, equality and social justice, it was imperative that a Uniform Civil Code should be brought at the earliest.