The UCC Controversy: An Absorbing and Informed Scan

[Sukla Sen]

In the context of the raging debates over the UCC -- deliberately sparked off by the regime, the (demonstratively discriminatory) CAA precedence is a very relevant reference point.

Despite all drum-beatings, the rules yet remain to be formulated. Never mind, the alibi of the pandemic expired long ago.

So, we'll have to wait for a draft to be actually produced.

It's not easy.

Quite a few exceptions and exemptions are already being talked of. Never mind, such exemptions would grievously undermine at least one -- "One Nation, One Law!" -- of the two foundational arguments justifying the move.

Not for nothing, Amartya Sen has found it to be a (toxic) bluff.

Let's see what happens.

The sole purpose, here, is to muddy the water and trigger fear and hatred and, thereby, further accentuate polarisation in the society.

That's how and why though the BJP is raising its voice in favour of the UCC since 1996, has never bothered to produce any draft that can be meaningfully deliberated.

That's how and why not a little finger was lifted towards implementing -- or even publicly discussing -- the pointed recommendations, in this regard, of the 21st Law Commission -- in 2018. Mark it, it's 2018.

That's how and why now it's the topmost campaign issue for Modi in the Madhya Pradesh state poll.

So, let us be on our guard and apply our minds and muscles to nix this sinister gameplan and let's, for heaven's sake, not facilitate polarisation.

Here's, a remarkably informed, fairly thorough and balanced scan in quite a crisp and engaging format -- in just half an hour: <https://youtu.be/L5RLjJHBT5U>.

Also, for useful companion reading, look up: 

I. <https://m.thewire.in/article/women/bjp-ucc-with-gender-justice-discrimination-personal-laws>.

II. <https://www.newsclick.in/bjps-thrust-uniformity-will-create-backlash-it-cannot-control-sanjay-hegde>.