Question

Critically analyze the significance of the uniform civil code in ensuring social justice to women

Answer 1

Approach:

1. Explain about the uniform civil code.
2. Mention the need for the uniform civil code.
3. Discuss about the position of women under the personal laws.
4. List out the benefits of UCC implementation to the welfare of women.
5. Make an appropriate conclusion according to your view on the issue.

Uniform Civil Code:
Uniform civil code is the provision of having similar personal law for all citizens irrespective of their religion mainly in the area of marriage divorce and inheritance. It is provided as the directive principle of state policy under article 44 of the Indian Constitution. It aims to address the discrimination against the vulnerable sections and harmonisation of diverse culutral practises.

Need for the uniform civil code:
India is a multi religious country with each religion having its own personal laws. But the Indian Constitution provides equal treatment as a fundamental right to every citizen of India. The differential treatment under the pretext of religion violates the fundamental rights. The uniform civil code has to be implemented toEnsuring equality of treatment and prohibition of differentiation on the basis of religion.Empowerment of women and their fundamental rights.Reducing the complexity in the judicial process.

Women under the personal laws:
The general nature of the Indian society is patriarchal. The codification of the personal laws are based on the traditional practices of each religion. Thus under these laws the rights of the women remain oppressed. Thus these laws itself makes women subordinate to men and violating their fundamental rights.

Benefits of UCC for women:
The UCC will help to avoid the discrimination of women in fields of marriage, divorce and inheritance of property. It prevents the practice of polygamy in certain sections of the society. It breaks the stereotype of women's dependence on men in all parts of their life. The domestic violence against women can be reduced significantly. Thus UCC will place women in equal pedestal right from the family to society in all aspects.

Conclusion:
The uniform civil code is a sensitive issue which may lead to distrust in the society. The implementation of UCC will definitely helps to gender neutral personal laws in India. The change has to come from the society but at the same time the government should take steps to bring about attitudinal changes among various religious groups.