The Catholic Church of Meghalaya has raised objections and expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed enforcement of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India.
In a letter addressed to the Law Commission of India, the Church highlighted the potential infringement on religious beliefs, customs, and traditions, as well as the potential impact on tribal communities’ special provisions.
“We strongly convey our displeasure that the beliefs, customs and traditions of ‘one religion’ be imposed on other religious customs or religious beliefs through the UCC,” the Church stated in the letter quoting Article 25 of the Indian Constitution grants every religious group the right to manage its own affairs.
The Church also raised its concerns that the introduction of the UCC might undermine these special rights and privileges granted to members of tribal communities.
“What is the urgency for the central government to enforce the UCC,” the Church questioned, adding, “We strongly recommend the concerned department and the government of India not to implement the UCC in our diverse country.”
The Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya too has written to the commission and said the UCC will be in contradiction to the current legislation and customary and social traditional practices prevailing in Meghalaya.
In a letter, the council has also urged the commission to also consider discussing the issues arising out of the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement to resolve the Annexed Agreement and Constitutional Legal issues as advised by the National Commission for Schedule Tribes in its directive to the Ministry of Home Affairs, on April 26, 2012 and on August 27, 2014 to incorporate the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of 1948, under a separate Article 370 A for the Khasi States.
