QUESTION:

Bp. Henry, what have you to say about the uniform civil code?

ANSWER:

The uniform civil code was something that was intended by the Constitution. It speaks about ‘endea-vouring to have a uni-form civil code.’ Now, India’s greatness is in its unity in diversity. That is the richness of our country. Uniformity is not oneness, it is much more than that. While approving the Constitution, it was suggested in the Consti-tuent Assembly that the consent of the communities affected by the UCC must be ensured. Which means they should endeavour to evolve a consensus on the changes required. The communities should be informed of it and their approval sought for it. It would have been helpful if the Law Commission of India had given a draft, but they have not done so. The Law Commission of India should ensure that freedom and human rights are upheld and that no imposition of the personal laws of any one culture or community happens. That would only harm India’s unity in diversity. Shining India means the individual communities also shine because of their uniqueness and identity. And therefore, our considered opinion is: The time is not opportune now for the UCC.

Bp Henry D’Souza
Bellary