The Gujarat Muslim Hit Raksha Samiti, which is an umbrella body of various organizations of the community in the state, has declared that it will conduct a protest against the “anti-Muslim” Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The bill was passed by the Gujarat Assembly last week.
As a part of its immediate plan, the Samiti, attended by Committee Convener Khadim Lalpuri, Mufti Ahmed Devla Saheb (Jambusar), former MLA Gyasuddin Sheikh, Iqbal Ahmed Mirza of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mufti Imran Saheb from Vadodara, Sagir Ansari Saheb, and others, has announced its inclination towards approaching the Governor with a memorandum that seeks to withdraw the law.
Furthermore, the organization has called upon members of the Muslim community to tie black bands on their right hands during Jummah prayers scheduled on April 3. This will be followed by a day of prayer by religious leaders, the FoEJ Media has learned.
Additionally, the Samiti said that the video message explaining its position will be shared on social media platforms to mobilize support. The delegations comprising religious scholars, lawyers, political representatives, and members of Muslim organizations will submit memoranda to district collectors across Gujarat, and silent protests with placards outside collector offices are also a part of the plan, the FoEJ Media has learned.
To coordinate these efforts, the group said it is appointing responsible individuals in each district. A press conference was scheduled for March 30 at Hotel Artilla Inn in Ellisbridge to outline the campaign in detail.
The organization also plans to constitute a panel of expert lawyers, which would examine the constitutional validity of the UCC, indicating that the matter could be taken to the Gujarat High Court.
To amplify the awareness within the community, the Samiti plans to organize seminars, workshops, and meetings. Furthermore, as learned by FoEJ Media, the Samiti is exploring legal and social alternatives to continue following personal laws, including examining the use of wills (wasiyat) and considering whether certain practices could be accommodated within existing legal frameworks.
