UDP decides not to support UCC, says there is no clarity in absence of draft proposal

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 14, 2023

The United Democratic Party (UDP), which is largest and oldest regional party in Meghalaya and a major ally of the NPP-led MDA government, on Thursday decided not to support the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in absence of the draft proposal.

The party has also maintained that the UCC should not infringe into the rights of indigenous tribal of the state.

In a letter to the member secretary of the Law Commission of India, UDP general secretary Dr Jemino Mawthoh said, “In light of the absence of the draft proposal from Government of India, we are left in a position that deprives us to share our views at this juncture.”

“Since there is no clarity on the matter, the party is disinclined to support the proposed implementation of the uniform civil code,” he added.  

Mawthoh said that the party is aware that this important subject is being debated across the country at different levels and mixed reactions and conflicting views have emanated from the various discussions.

“While article 44 of the Constitution endeavours the implementation of the UCC to uphold the principles of justice, equality and secularism, there is a need to respect the rights and sensitivities of all citizens of the country, irrespective of caste, creed, ethnicity and religious affiliation,” he asserted while adding  that “Considering the fact that our state falls under the purview of the Sixth Schedule, any infringement on the rights of the indigenous tribal will defeat the intent of this exercise.”