Uniform Civil Code: Supreme Court Calls It a Constitutional Ambition for Equality

Context: Uniform Civil Code

The Supreme Court, while dealing with issues in personal laws, stated that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a “constitutional ambition” and not linked to religion, aiming to ensure uniform civil laws for all citizens.

What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• A common set of civil laws governing:
• Marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, succession
• Applicable to all citizens irrespective of religion
• Objective → legal uniformity + gender justice + equality

Relevant Constitutional provisions

• Article 44 (DPSP) → State shall endeavour to secure UCC
• Article 14 → Equality before law
• Article 15 → Non-discrimination
• Article 21 → Right to dignity
• Article 25 → Freedom of religion (subject to reform)

Supreme Court’s key observations

1. UCC relates to civil rights, not religion
2. Equality prevails over discriminatory personal laws
3. Only essential religious practices (Article 25) are protected
4. Legislature (Parliament) is the appropriate body to implement UCC

Recent state-level developments

Uttarakhand
• UCC implemented
• Covers marriage, divorce, inheritance, live-in relations

Gujarat
• Committee formed / exploring UCC
• Not implemented yet

Present status

UCC is not yet enacted at the national level, but is progressing through constitutional mandate, judicial support, and gradual state-level initiatives.