New Delhi: In a historic development, Rajya Sabha on Friday passed a Bill pertaining to Uniform Civil Code. The bill got 63 votes in favour and 23 against it after House Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar called for a division. The Rajya Sabha member Kirodi Lal Meena from Rajasthan, introduced the UCC bill.
Nitin Gadkari also commented on practice of polygamy. He was talking about UCC at a media event. The Union Minister said it is not natural for a man to have four wives.
He observed progressive and educated people among Muslims do not marry four women. He also clarified that UCC is not against any particular religion. It is for the development of entire nation and for upliftment of the poor.
On Thursday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had expressed similar sentiments. Himanta had said that there cannot be any right to a man living in independent India to marry three-four women. That too without divorcing the previous spouse.
Before passing the UCC Bill in Rajya Sabha, the opposition protested against its introduction. Opposition contending that it will destroy the ‘social fabric’ and ‘unity in diversity’ existing in the country.
UCC is in directive principles
BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved for leave to introduce the Bill to provide for the constitution of the national inspection and investigation committee for preparation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India and for matters connected therewith during the private member’s business.
After stiff opposition from the opposition, Union Minister Piyush Goyal favoured the bill. He argued that it is the legitimate right of a member to raise important issues. Especially issues which are under directive principles of the constitution.
“Let this subject be debated in the House…at this stage to cast aspersions on the government, to try to criticise the Bill, is uncalled-for,” he said.
