Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: The Assembly elections are virtually at the doorstep. Election campaigning is proceeding in full swing. On Friday, keeping the Bengal electorate in mind, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released a 'Sankalp Patra' (manifesto) containing a total of 15 pledges. Subsequently, he addressed a public rally in Debra. And from this rally, he delivered a significant message regarding the practice of 'multiple marriages.' Amit Shah had made similar remarks concerning 'marriage' during his election campaign in Assam as well. Speaking at the Debra rally on Friday, he stated, "As soon as a BJP government is formed, we will introduce the UCC (Uniform Civil Code). No one across the entirety of Bengal will be granted permission to marry four times." This statement by Amit Shah created a stir across Bengal. Why such a comment regarding marriage? What exactly is the Uniform Civil Code? Such questions are swirling in the minds of many.
Notably, Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to have implemented the Uniform Civil Code. The question now arises: will this Civil Code be implemented in West Bengal as well? What will be the consequences if this code is introduced? Let us explore the details.
What Will Happen If This Law Is Implemented?
The Uniform Civil Code advocates for a single, unified set of laws applicable to all communities within the country. Once implemented, laws governing marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, adoption, and other related matters will be uniform for everyone. Under this law, the legal age for marriage will be the same for both men and women. Polygamy and 'Halala' marriages will be strictly prohibited.
What Will Be the Impact on Different Religions?
Currently, India operates under distinct personal laws for various religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. However, the UCC aims to supersede these disparate laws and establish a single, equal legal framework for all citizens. Consequently, the rules governing marriage, divorce, and maintenance will become identical for everyone. In the case of live-in relationships, couples will be required to obtain prior permission to cohabit. Women will be granted equal rights to property. Furthermore, if a non-tribal individual marries a tribal woman, the women of their subsequent generations will also be entitled to land rights. Furthermore, in religions where polygamy is practiced, the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code would put an end to such customs. In other words, an individual would be strictly prohibited from entering into multiple marriages under any circumstances. Speaking at a public rally, Amit Shah stated that this rule would be introduced in Bengal as well.