BJP member moves private Bill on UCC in RS, draws stiff resistance from Opposition
The Bill, introduced by MP Kirodi Lal Meena, was passed through a voice vote; It seeks
constitution of a national panel for preparation of Uniform Civil Code and its implementation
The introduction of a private member Bill by a Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) member on implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country witnessed vociferous protest from the Opposition members in Rajya Sabha on Friday.
The Opposition members requested the BJP member Kirodi Lal Meena to withdraw the Bill and also asked Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to not accept the legislation as it will destroy the secular fabric of the country.
The Bill seeks constitution of the National Inspection and Investigation Committee for preparation of UCC and its implementation throughout India.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal defended the introduction of the Bill. “I am pained to see the comments made by members quoting (B.R) Ambedkar. It is the legitimate right of a member to raise an issue which is under the directive principles of the constitution, let this subject be debated in the House,” Mr. Goyal said.
Private members’ Bill needs the backing of the government to get passed in the Parliament.
The introduction of the Bill was put for voting and was passed through a voice vote, of 63 votes in favour and 23 against. Many Opposition members from Congress, Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were not present during the discussion and at the time of voting.
Opposing the Bill, MDMK’s Vaiko charged at the treasury benches saying “patriotism is not the monopoly of you people.”
IUML’s Abdul Wahab said the Bill was a deliberate provocation and it cannot be implemented in India.
John Brittas (CPI-M) said the the 21st Law Commission concluded that UCC is neither necessary nor desirable.
“Law Minister should be aware of this, if he takes some time away from attacking the Supreme Court, it is against spirit of the constitution... this is supposed to be an uncivil code, we should not use a piece of legislation for polarisation in society and it is detrimental for the country, please withdraw the bill immediately,” he urged the BJP member and the Chair.
Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said the same Bill was listed many times earlier as well but was not introduced after being requested by members.
“This country’s base is secularism and federalism, both are at stake now. We foresee what may happen if this private member’s Bill is passed. When it is taken up for consideration, they have majority, it will be passed. What will be the mindset of minorities? We should not create apprehension in their minds. During partition, Jinnah asked Muslims to come to Pakistan, but they stayed back, they contributed to the economy and fought for the country. We are really agonised. We are trembling, the whole country will be watching this, consider the future of this country,” the DMK member said.
Trinamool Congress’ Jawahar Sircar said the Bill is unconstitutional and unethical and was being introduced by an indulgent government to test the waters.
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/17907/OPS/G03AK6EDG.1+GL6AK6JI6.1.html
No comments:
Post a Comment