Religious groups in Surat protest against Gujarat UCC panel, question neutrality

Surat : Religious organizations and social workers  in Surat have raised strong objections to the formation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) evaluation committee in Gujarat, questioning the neutrality of its chairperson, Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Desai, and other members from Surat. Critics argue that the committee’s formation is politically motivated and unconstitutional, further alleging that it disregards the sentiments of minority communities.

The Gujarat government had formed the committee to evaluate the implementation of UCC in the state and invited public suggestions from residents, government agencies, NGOs, social groups, religious organizations, and political parties. However, several religious groups, particularly those representing the Muslim community, have voiced strong opposition.

Concerns Over Justice Desai’s Role

A.Vahab Sopariwala, social worker criticized the appointment of Justice Ranjana Desai as chairperson, highlighting her previous role in heading Uttarakhand’s UCC Committee. According to Sopariwala, “The way the UCC was implemented in Uttarakhand, the same pattern will be followed in Gujarat. Therefore, our submissions against her appointment are meaningless.” He further alleged that the exclusion of tribal communities in Uttarakhand’s UCC law indicates a political agenda behind the move in Gujarat as well.

Neutrality of Surat-Based Committee Members Questioned

Another significant point of contention is the appointment of Dr. Dakshesh Thakar, a Surat-based member of the committee. He has served as Vice Chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), Surat, on the recommendation of the Gujarat government, and is currently heading the private Vanita Vishram University, Surat. Critics argue that his public praise of the BJP government and association with a private institution linked to government interests compromises his neutrality in the UCC deliberations.

Similarly, committee member Gitaben Shroff, a Surat resident, is associated with the government-funded Anis organization and has authored a book praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Religious groups claim that her affiliations prevent her from being an impartial member of the UCC Gujarat panel.

Religious Objections to UCC Implementation in Gujarat

Opponents argue that Article 44 of the Indian Constitution mandates the government to implement a Uniform Civil Code at an appropriate time, but only at the national level, not state-wise. They claim that introducing UCC in Gujarat alone would be unconstitutional and would lead to the marginalization of religious communities.

Muslim groups further contend that Islamic law is already established under the Quran and does not require modifications under the UCC. “Our religion has well-defined laws. The implementation of UCC in Gujarat violates our constitutional rights under Articles 25, 26, 28, and 29, which guarantee freedom of religion and cultural practices,” said a Surat-based religious leader.

Legal Precedents and Law Commission Reports

Religious organizations also cite past reports from the 21st and 22nd Law Commissions of India, which have concluded that UCC is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. The 22nd Law Commission has yet to publish a report on UCC, further questioning the Gujarat government’s urgency in implementing it.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, during the drafting of the Constitution, assured Muslim members that any future UCC law would be optional and not mandatory. Protesters argue that the Gujarat government is ignoring this constitutional assurance and pushing for UCC without conducting any public surveys or assessments.

Political and Religious Backlash

The BJP-led Gujarat government is being accused of using UCC as a political tool to target minority communities. “This is an exercise in harassment rather than reform,” said an anonymous community leader. “There has been no public consultation, no surveys, and no consideration for Muslim personal laws or tribal exclusions, as seen in Uttarakhand.”

The exclusion of tribal communities from UCC in Uttarakhand has raised further alarms that a similar approach might be taken in Gujarat, leading to legal complications and increased communal tensions.

“Muslims strongly oppose the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and reject it under any circumstances. Ignoring objections from concerned parties, especially Muslim minorities, and imposing this law is unjust. The Law Commission had advised that the UCC was neither desirable nor necessary, yet the government is enforcing it undemocratically. Such a law threatens India’s unity, integrity, and secularism. Muslims remain committed to Islamic Shariah and will resist any law that challenges it” A.Vahab Sopariwala, social worker.