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Udupi : A Friendly discussion on Uniform Civil Code and Personal Law held under Udupi Jilla Muslim Okkoota at Hotel Durga International Hotel Hall here on Thursday, 17^th November, 2016.

The programme held on the basis of the Law Commission asked the public whether triple talaq should be abolished and if a uniform Civil code should be optional.

The discussions were held with Abdussalam Puttige Chief Editor of Varthabharathi Kannada Daily

. He said prior to discussion that amid a raging debate on uniform civil code, the law panel has sought public views on the subject to revise and reform family laws, saying the aim is to address social injuctice rather than do away with the plurality of laws. He said that it was the part of BJP’s election manifesto that implementation of a common civil code.

There is great variety in opinions on the larger matter of the uniform civil code. The liberal left believes that religious laws are generally inequitable to women and must be replaced with gender just, constitutionally amenable, secular laws. The liberal right agrees, but additionally finds the sharia the worst offender while keeping the debate focused on triple talaq and polygamy. Some Muslims react defensively, drawing their own lists of gender inequities across religions.Some on the left also react and suggest that the right wing might well hijack the uniform civil code.

He said if the UCC is implemented, attempts will be made to paint all in one colour which is not in the interest of the country. We don’t want the practice of triple talaq to be abolished. There are more divorces in other communities, rather the highest rate which is double that of Muslims, he said.

There is no need for any reform in the law. Triple talaq is not an issue and the government’s move to impose UCC intends to snatch our religious freedom guaranteed in the Indian Constitution. The Law Commission’s decision to seek public feedback on UCC is a calculated move aimed at disrupting communal harmony and urged all secular parties to oppose the step. Some of the questions point to the fact that it has been framed to target a particular religious group and their personal law. Talaq problem could be solved through the Muslim Board. Reform process should be within the religion. We support the UCC but draft should be established rather discussions. The law of talaq not against the women, but to control the men, he said.

Some of the participants like Jayan Malpe, Louis Lobo and others gave their opinion on the subject of the programme. Ashfaq Ahmed welcomed the gatherings. Hussain Kodibengre and Sadiq Udupi compered the programme.