Law Commission extends deadline for submitting views on UCC till July 28

New Delhi/Dimapur, July 14 (MExN): The 22nd Law Commission of India (LCI) on Friday announced the extension of deadline for the public to send their views and suggestions on the subject of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by two weeks or till July 28. 

The Commission had earlier issued a 30-day deadline for soliciting views and ideas of the public at large and recognised religious organisations on the politically-sensitive issue of the UCC. 

In a public notice on July 14, the LCI informed that there has been an overwhelming response from the public on the subject of UCC and numerous requests received from various quarters regarding the extension of time for submitting their comments.

Accordingly, the Commission has decided to grant an extension of two weeks for the submission of views and suggestions by the concerned stakeholders. 

“The Law Commission values the input of all stakeholders and aims to create an inclusive environment that encourages active engagement. We encourage all interested parties to utilise this extended timeframe to contribute their valuable ideas and expertise,” it added. 

Any interested individual, institution or organisation may furnish their comments on the issue of UCC till the July 28 on the designated link on LCI’s website or via email at membersecretary-lci@gov.in.

Submissions can also be made at in the form of consultation/discussion/working papers on any of the issues pertaining to the UCC by writing to “Member Secretary, Law Commission of India, 4th Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi-10 003.”

It must be noted here that since the first public notice by the 22nd LCI on June 14, there have had be unequivocal opposition in Nagaland to any proposal to implement a UCC with all stakeholders pointing out to violations of constitutional provisions as well as the special safeguard to Nagaland State under the Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.   

A Government of Nagaland delegation led by the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio with the entire Cabinet including the Speaker, the two  MPs and the Chief Secretary and the subordinate officials, also met with the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah and the concerned central officials on July 4 and 5 in New Delhi on the issue. 

A statement from the Nagaland Government issued thereafter informed that the Union Home Minister has assured the delegation that the “centre is actively considering for exemption of Christians and some tribal areas from the purview of the 22nd Law Commission exercise.”