New Delhi: The Mizoram state assembly on Tuesday (February 14) adopted a unanimous resolution opposing any attempt to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). “…this House unanimously resolved to oppose any steps taken or proposed to be taken for enactment of UCC in India,” the resolution said, according to The Hindu.
Home minister Lalchamliana said while introducing the resolution that a UCC “would disintegrate the country as it was an attempt to terminate the religious or social practices, customary laws, cultures and traditions of the religious minorities, including the Mizos”.
“The proposed law [introduced as a private member’s Bill by a BJP Rajya Sabha MP] is pending for enactment in parliament. The proposed law aims at imposing a uniform code in the country by marginalising or terminating the religious or social practices, customary laws, cultures and traditions of the minorities,” he continued.
“Although Mizoram has a special provision to protect its social or religious practices, customary laws and procedures under Article 371G, implementation of the UCC is not healthy for India as a whole,” he added.
Under Article 371G of the Constitution, no parliamentary Act on 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, or ownership and transfer of land, shall apply to Mizoram unless the state legislature passes a resolution on it.
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 all participated in the discussion on the resolution, The Hindu reported. Of them, the BJP leader said it was too early to criticise the UCC now, since it had not yet been implemented.
To this, Zoramthanga replied that it was better to raise these questions and criticisms before it was implemented. The UCC would “would harm the existence of the country”, he added.