The Nagaland Assembly on Tuesday, September 12, unanimously adopted a resolution against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The state has sought complete exemption from the purview of the proposed UCC with the view that it threatens local customary laws and social and religious practices.
Speaking on the issue during an Assembly session, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, "The Nagaland government and Naga people are of the view that the UCC will pose a threat to customary laws, social practices and the religious practices of the Naga people, which will be in danger of encroachment in the event of imposition of UCC."
"Whereas the apparent objective of the UCC is to have a single law on personal matters such as marriage and divorce, custody and guardianship, adoption and maintenance, succession and inheritance, which in our view should pose a threat to our customary laws, social practices and the religious practices which will be in danger of encroachment in the event of imposition of UCC," he added.
#WATCH | Kohima: The Nagaland Assembly yesterday unanimously adopted a resolution urging that the state be completely exempted from the purview of the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
CM Neiphiu Rio said, "...Whereas the apparent objective of the UCC is to have a single law… pic.twitter.com/pmCHPIKztK— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2023
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to establish a unified legal framework for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, custody, guardianship, adoption, maintenance, succession, and inheritance.
Rio highlighted that the Nagaland government had communicated its opposition to the UCC to the Commission on July 4.
This opposition is based on Nagaland's unique history, its assurance of non-interference policy since the pre-Independence British era, and the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371A, which protect the religious, social practices and customary laws of the Nagas.
He also mentioned that in a consultative meeting held by the state government on September 1, various tribal organisations and civil societies strongly expressed their objections to the idea of implementing the UCC.
The 22nd Law Commission of India, appointed by the Government of India (GoI) on February 21, 2020, with an extended term until August 31, 2024, issued a public notice on June 14, 2023, seeking input from stakeholders regarding the UCC.
Article 371A of the Constitution ensures that no parliamentary act applies to the state of Nagaland in matters related to the religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law, administration of civil or criminal justice according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources unless the Assembly passes a resolution to the contrary.
On Monday, September 11, legislators deliberated on the consequences of implementing the UCC in the state, and Nagaland Speaker Sharingain Longkumer granted the government leave to present the resolution. The resolution was put to a unanimous voice vote without any amendments.
With agency inputs.
First Published: Sept 13, 2023 9:28 AM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
In Ayodhya, voters talk of a promise fulfilled and yearning for development
May 17, 2024 2:10 PM
Fight of heavyweights in Sambalpur where farmers, weavers hold the key
May 17, 2024 12:25 PM
Odisha: Fight of heavyweights in Sambalpur where farmers, weavers hold the key
May 17, 2024 10:22 AM
Lok Sabha Election 2024: What rural Delhi wants
May 16, 2024 10:10 PM