Shatrughan Sinha backs UCC, calls for nationwide beef ban

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Shatrughan Sinha has expressed his support for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, while stressing the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to its nationwide rollout. He emphasized the importance of a multi-party meeting to ensure broad-based consensus and the involvement of all communities in the drafting process. Sinha made it clear that the UCC should not be seen as an election-driven move but as a necessary reform aimed at establishing a uniform legal framework across India.

Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the UCC after the passage of the "Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2024" on January 27. The law aims to create a single legal system governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. Key provisions of the UCC in Uttarakhand include mandatory registration of marriages and live-in relationships, equal property rights for sons and daughters, and equal grounds for divorce for both men and women. The law also recognizes children born out of live-in relationships as legitimate. Additionally, the state government introduced an online portal for citizens to apply for services such as marriage registration, divorce, inheritance claims, and resolution of grievances related to the law’s implementation.

Sinha, while supporting the UCC's implementation in Uttarakhand, expressed concerns about its potential nationwide application. He emphasized the need for a careful and inclusive approach, ensuring that all communities' concerns are taken into account. According to Sinha, the implementation of the UCC should involve a transparent and consultative process to prevent any perception that the law is being imposed to gain political advantages. He stressed that the UCC should not be rushed and must involve discussions with all stakeholders to ensure its acceptance across the country.

On the issue of food bans, particularly beef, Sinha reiterated his support for a nationwide ban on non-vegetarian food. He acknowledged that beef is banned in several states but pointed out the inconsistency in its enforcement across different regions. While beef is prohibited in parts of North India, it remains legal in other regions, including the Northeast. Sinha called for a uniform ban on beef across the country, stating that the current situation, where the consumption of beef is allowed in some areas while restricted in others, creates confusion and undermines the effectiveness of the law.

Sinha's remarks come at a time when the debate around the UCC and beef bans continues to gain traction in India. The UCC is seen as a measure to address the legal disparities that exist between different religious communities, particularly in matters such as marriage, inheritance, and adoption. The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand has sparked discussions about the feasibility of adopting such a law at the national level. While some political parties have supported the move, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on religious freedom and cultural practices.