Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio declared that the proposed law would “pose a threat” to the state’s customary laws, social practices, and religious practices after the Nagaland Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the State to be exempt from the scope of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was vehemently opposed by the Assembly members, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, on Monday. On Tuesday, the House unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the proposed law.
After the Chief Minister moved the resolution against UCC, the House unanimously adopted it urging that the state be completely exempted from the purview of the proposed 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, and our view is that UCC would pose a threat to the customary laws, and social and religious practices, which would be in danger of encroachment in the event of imposition of UCC…,” Rio said.
He added that the government of Nagaland had expressed its opposition to UCC on July 4 to the Law Commission through a Cabinet decision, citing the state’s distinct history and the constitutional protection provided by Article 371 (A).
“In the consultative meeting with various stakeholders on the UCC organised by the state government on September 1, the representatives of various tribal hohos and organisations had expressed their strong resentment and objection to the idea of having a UCC,” Rio said.
He added that Article 371(A) provides for the protection of the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
On June 14, the 22nd Law Commission solicited the views and ideas of the public and recognised religious organisations to examine the UCC.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a contentious issue that had divided opinion over the previous four years, came to the fore once more after Prime Minister Narendra Modi argued forcefully in favor of the adoption of uniform legislation during a recent address. According to PM Modi, the country cannot function under two sets of laws, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is consistent with the Constitution’s guiding ideals.
