Karnataka HC urges centre, state to implement UCC

The court emphasised that personal laws based on religion often result in unequal treatment of citizens-particularly women-despite their equal status under the Indian Constitution, reported India Today.

In a family property dispute, Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar made a strong case for UCC.

"The enactment of legislation on Uniform Civil Code as enshrined under Article 44 of the Constitution of India will achieve the object and aspirations enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution," the court stated as quoted by India Today.

UCC refers to a common set of laws that apply to all Indian citizens and is not based on religion in dealing with marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, among other personal matters.

The court observed that lack of uniform civil framework has led to unequal treatment of women from different faiths despite all people being equal before law.

"A 'woman' in Hindu law has a birthright equal to that of a son. When under Hindu law, a daughter is given equal status and rights in all respects, enjoying rights as that of a son, the same is not so under Mahomedan law," Justice Sanjeevkumar wrote in his judgment as quoted India Today.

He added, "The court is of the opinion that our country needs a Uniform Civil Code in respect of their personal laws and religion. Only then the object of Article 14 of the Constitution will be achieved."