DIMAPUR, JULY 8 (MExN): The Poumai Naga Baptist Association (PNBA), Senapati has urged the Law Commission of India not to proceed with the proposed Uniform Civil Code in the best interest of the citizens of India, particularly the Christian community and the Naga schedule tribes living in the North-east.
While vehemently opposing the UCC, Rev Dr P James, Executive Secretary, PNBA , in a press statement said the objectives of USS directly undermined Christian faith and belief because “we are governed by the Biblical canon on the subject related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and succession.
It also pointed out that members of PNBA are schedule tribes in the state of Manipur, having their own distinct traditional, social and customary practices governed by the Naga customary law and its usages on the subject related to marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance and succession.
The Association also expressed serious concern that once the proposed USS is codified, it will directly infringe upon the citizens right to freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25-28 of the Constitution of India. It thereby stated that the Christina community of India has reasonable apprehension, that if the UCC is implemented, it will have adverse result having negative impacts towards nation building.
It also expressed apprehension that if the central government tries to enact law on UCC despite serious objection from all over the country, there may be serious consequences which may cause India to fall apart.
Maintaining that the proposed UCC is directly against the basic structure of the Indian Constitution as it is against the principle of secularism, the Association went on the state that the concept of secularism is that the state will have no religion, which guaranteed freedom of religion to all the citizens.
It also opined that Article 44 contained in part IV of the Constitution of India is a Directive principle and as such it is only an enabling provision and not mandatory in nature. Therefore, it cannot be imposed upon the citizens while trying to codify the UCC.
In view of the facts and law highlighted, the Association has requested the LCI not to proceed with the proposed UCC in the best interest of the citizens of India.
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