On February 14th, the Mizoram Assembly passed a resolution rejecting any move to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India. The resolution was introduced by Home Minister Lalchamliana, who claimed that enacting the UCC would be detrimental to the country as it would seek to eliminate the religious and social practices, customary laws, cultures, and traditions of minority groups, including the Mizos. He also alleged that previous attempts to implement the UCC had failed due to its controversial nature. In December 2022, a private member bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to enact the UCC. Despite Article 371 G, which provides special protection to Mizoram’s social and religious practices, customary laws, and procedures, Mr. Lalchamliana believes that the implementation of the UCC would not be beneficial for India as a whole.
According to Article 371G of the constitution, no act of Parliament concerning the religious or social practices of the Mizos, Mizo customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law, ownership, and transfer of land can be applied to Mizoram unless the State legislature passes a resolution in its favor.
Mr. Lalchamliana also alleged that the BJP included the implementation of the UCC in its election manifesto in 2018-19. During the discussion on the resolution, Chief Minister Zoramthanga, opposition Congress leader Zodintluanga, Zo People’s Legislature Party leader Lalduhoma, lone BJP legislator B.D. Chakma, and ruling MNF member C. Lalmuanpuia participated.
Mr. Chakma argued that it was premature to oppose the UCC since it has not been enacted yet. He pointed out that Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju had recently stated in a written reply to Mizoram Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena that no decision has been taken on implementing the UCC. Mr. Zoramthanga argued that now was the right time to oppose the UCC, before it is enacted.
Source: The Hindu
