Classes 10 and 11 interacts with School chairman on the Uniform Civil Code

On 5th December, 2017, Mr. Prafull Goradia, School chairman, addressed the students of classes 10th and 11th on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. He offered an insight into several dimensions of personal law- marriage, divorce, property and religion.

The audience became eager and enthusiastic as Chairman Sir directed them at the very outset to ask questions! He aptly pointed out how the Uniform Civil Code is an ongoing debate within several institutions on account of the diversity of our religious laws. It was agreed by all that it is imperative for India to mandatorily replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community, with a common set of rules governing all citizens.

One of the students mentioned that Article 44, Part IV of the Indian Constitution under the Directive Principles states that the implementation of Uniform Civil Code is a guideline for the Union Government of India.

Further, Sir explained to the students that there are five major personal laws that are relevant in the Indian context and that the civil code is very important to cover the loopholes in each of these laws in order to effectively unify India. Addressing the apprehensions of students on the 'suicide of personal religious customs', he explained that the code is not only concerned with equality between religions but also equality within the religions as well. Thus, it would greatly help to reform the handicaps of the personal laws of every religion. He invalidated the perception of most students that the idea of a uniform civil code destroys the idea of unity in diversity of India.

The session was extremely enriching as Sir shared his experiences from his own journey. The students were exposed to new perspectives on the topic. The talk invariably enhanced the critical thinking capacity of the students.

Ms Shilpa Asopa.