Sikh meeting called to discuss, establish consensus on Uniform Civil Code

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Uniform Civil Code (UCC). During the meeting, the implications of the UCC on the country if brought as a law will be discussed. It also sought to know which laws would govern the marriages in the Sikh community.

Sikh marriages are presently governed by the Anand Marriage Act. However, the Act lacks provisions for addressing the matter of separation or divorce. Consequently, Sikh divorce cases are currently dealt with under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Hindu Marriage Act.

Speaking with India Today TV, the President of the Sikh group said they would not accept any modifications to the religious practices. The President of the group also sought to know if the people who aren’t allowed to worship in a temple would have a right to do so under the UCC. The Uniform Civil Code was back into talks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a string pitch for its implementation at a public rally in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, saying the Constitution calls for equal rights for all citizens.

"You tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member? Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country be able to function with such a dual system? We have to remember that even in India’s Constitution, there is a mention of equal rights for all," PM Modi said. Attacking the Opposition for allegedly misleading the people of the country, PM Modi said, “These people (opposition) level allegations against us but the reality is that they chant Musalman, Musalman. Had they really been [working] in the interests of Muslims, then Muslim families would not have been lagging in education and jobs."