Senior Congress leader and former minister Hussain Dalwai has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis where he has objected to the composition of a committee that has been set up to draft rules for proposed Uniform Civil Code legislation and highlighted the non-inclusion of Christians and Muslims in it.
Hussain Dalwai advised the state government to hold a dialogue with representatives of all religions and said that an inclusive consultation should be drafted for UCC, as it affects all.
“UCC is a sensitive issue that concerns every community, religion, and segment of society. Therefore, the government should hold dialogue with representatives of all religions and communities. It should invite and hold discussions with all social organizations. Only after taking into consideration suggestions and objections from all sections should the government take a final decision on this subject,” he said.
“On matters like UCC you cannot have a selective approach. The wider consultations will give it greater weightage and credibility. The suggestions and objections from various groups are necessary for any legislation. And more so when it comes to sensitive issues like UCC,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, Fadnavis announced the government’s decision, which highlights the formation of a seven-member committee to draft rules for the UCC.
“The government will bring the UCC in the Nagpur winter session. The seven-member committee will evolve the draft legislation. The government wants to bring the UCC legislation in both the houses of the state legislative assembly and council for discussion and passage in the winter session,” Fadnavis said.
He said that the government cannot suo moto take a decision for people on such matters and clarified that his stance is not extreme.
“My concern is the government cannot suo moto take a decision for people on such matters,” he said.
“It has to give an audience to every segment of society and religion. This is also the spirit of the Indian Constitution,” he said.
“Such a non-inclusive approach does not augur well for the democracy and inclusive approach that are integral to Maharashtra,” the Congress leader said.
