Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Context:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured tribal communities that any future implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India will not apply to Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities or tribal areas.

Facts for Prelims:

The UCC is a single set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession for all citizens of India.

The concept of UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution as a DPSP.

UCC is not a legally enforceable right but a guiding principle for the state.

Why Tribal Groups Concerned?

Fear of losing:

traditions

customary laws

cultural identity

traditional governance

Existing Tribal Protections in India

Fifth Schedule

Sixth Schedule

PESA Act, 1996

Customary laws