Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 77th Independence Day of India by hoisting the national flag for the 11th consecutive time from the Red Fort. While addressing the audience, he honored the numerous people who sacrificed for the freedom of our nation, calling the day an opportunity to remember their contributions.
This Year’s Independence Day Theme
This year’s Independence Day theme, “Viksit Bharat@2047,” highlights the government’s ambition to make India a developed country by the year 2047, which will mark a century after India gained its independence. PM Modi’s speech also emphasized the importance of moving towards a more unified legal system in the country.
PM Modi Advocates For the Uniform Civil Code
During his speech, PM Modi advocated for the introduction of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which he described as a secular alternative to what he termed a “communal civil code.” He noted that the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly called for the UCC, which aims to replace personal religious laws with a single set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other personal matters.
Article 44 Of The Constitution Encourages The UCC
Currently, different religious communities in India follow their own laws for many concerning issues and personal matters, which are viewed by PM Modi and some others as inequalities. He argued that a secular Uniform Civil Code would eliminate discrimination based on religion and ensure fairness in personal matters for all citizens. Article 44 of the Indian Constitution encourages the government to establish a uniform civil code, but it has yet to be fully implemented across the country. However, some states, like Uttarakhand, have introduced these measures.
Complex Process And Legislative Efforts Back Implementation
PM Modi’s call for the UCC aligns with his BJP government’s long-standing support for this issue, though it remains contentious. Critics argue that such a code could undermine India’s diverse cultural and religious practices. Organizations like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and political figures from various parties have expressed their concerns about the civil code’s impact on religious freedoms and diversity. The Supreme Court has previously noted that the necessity of a UCC seems desirable but it requires broad societal support to succeed. The courts have also highlighted the slow progress. The central government has indicated that implementing a UCC will be a complex process, involving significant legislative effort.