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BJP could table Uniform Civil Code in Parliament soon, and a bill to amend Preamble of the Indian constitution

22nd law commission has been asked to review issues with UCC bill, said the Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Two controversial private member Bills— one on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the second on amending the Preamble of the Constitution could soon be tabled in the Parliament as they were listed in Rajya Sabha, however due to the absence of MPs, they were not presented.

The Opposition had objected to the introduction of both Bills in the past.

The Bill to amend the Preamble of the Constitution seeks to make certain changes — such as substituting the word “Socialist” with “Equitable”, and rephrasing the sentence “Equality of status and of opportunity and to promote among then all” with “Equality of status and of opportunity to be born, to be fed, to be educated, to get a job and to be treated with dignity”.

The Opposition had objected to the introduction of the Bill during the Winter Session. On Friday, Deputy Chairman Harivansh gave a ruling in favour of its introduction.

Meanwhile in the case of UCC, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has told BJP MP Nishikant Dubey that the proposal to examine issues relating to Uniform Civil Code (UCC) may be taken up by the 22nd Law Commission. The law minister informed his party colleague the proposal was referred to the 21st Law Commission but since its term has ended, the matter is expected to be taken up by the 22nd Commission.

The Union law minister further said that Article 44 of the Constitution states that the ‘state shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India’.

If implemented, UCC is likely to provide one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.

The Centre had told the Delhi HC that it would examine the need for a UCC and hold consultation with various stakeholders after it receives a report from the Law Commission on the subject.

Allahabad HC had also asked Modi govt to consider Uniform Civil Code, saying ‘it’s long due, can’t be made voluntary’

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