In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), arguing that laws dividing the nation on religious grounds have no place in modern society.
“The Supreme Court has repeatedly held discussions on uniform civil code, given orders, because a large section of the country feels, and rightly so, that the current civil code is a communal civil code, a discriminatory civil code. The Constitution tells us, the Supreme Court tells us to, and it was the dream of the Constitution makers. So it is our duty to fulfill it,” the Prime Minister stated, speaking from the iconic Red Fort, just two months into his third term in office.
हमारी माताओं-बहनों-बेटियों पर अत्याचार के गुनहगारों को जल्द से जल्द कड़ी सजा मिलनी चाहिए, ताकि ऐसा पाप करने वालों में डर पैदा हो। pic.twitter.com/Nu8ktqDxtZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2024
He emphasised the need for broad-based discussions, urging all citizens to contribute their views. “There must be widespread discussions, everyone should come forward with their opinions, and laws that divide the country on religious lines must be done away with. They have no place in a modern society. Time demands a secular civil code. And then we will be free of religious discrimination,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s remarks align with the BJP’s stance, as outlined in its Lok Sabha election manifesto, which highlights the party’s commitment to a uniform civil code as being in the national interest. Several BJP-led state governments have already taken steps toward implementing the UCC, signaling a broader movement within the party.
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Against the backdrop of these developments, Modi’s Independence Day speech suggests a renewed push by his government to tackle this complex and divisive issue on a national scale during its current term.
In addition to his call for a UCC, the Prime Minister also addressed the issue of violence against women, expressing his concern over recent incidents. His comments come amid widespread protests against the Mamata Banerjee government’s handling of a brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata.
“There is public outrage over atrocities against our mothers and sisters. I feel this outrage. The country, the society, our state governments need to take this seriously. Crimes against women must be probed as soon as possible, those involved in demonic acts must face strict punishment at the earliest, this is necessary to create faith in society,” Modi urged.
