HYDERABAD: Following the successful passage of the Waqf Bill in both Houses of Parliament, the Central government has now moved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to the top of its legislative agenda. According to sources, the wide-ranging support for the Waqf Bill, even from NDA allies and regional parties, has emboldened the government to proceed with the long-pending UCC.
Despite the BJP falling short of a clear majority in the Lok Sabha and relying on support from the Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party, the Waqf Bill received backing not only from these allies but also from the YSR Congress Party and the Biju Janata Dal. This cross-party support has given the government confidence to push forward with the UCC.
In Tamil Nadu, where elections are due next year, the BJP is aiming to maintain its alliance with the AIADMK. As a result, contentious issues like delimitation and language policy are being sidelined to avoid giving political leverage to the ruling DMK.
23rd Law Commission to Finalise UCC Draft
The task of finalising the UCC draft now rests with the 23rd Law Commission, which was notified on 2 September 2024. The previous 22nd Law Commission, chaired by retired Justice Rituraj Awasthi, had released a draft for public feedback, receiving responses from nearly one crore individuals and holding discussions with around 30 organisations. However, its term ended before the final draft could be prepared.
Now, the Law Commission is being reactivated to take the process forward. Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, who retired from the Supreme Court in May 2023, is set to chair the 23rd Commission. Renowned lawyer Hitesh Jain and academic Professor D.P. Verma will be appointed as full-time members. The formal notification of their appointments is expected to be issued later this week.