Implementation of UCC in Meghalaya objected by Catholic church

Shillong: The Catholic Church of Meghalaya has raised objection and expressed grave concern over the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India.
In a letter to the Law Commission of India, the Church highlighted the potential violation of religious beliefs, customs and traditions as well as the potential impact on special provisions of tribal communities.
The Catholic Church of Meghalaya, while appreciating being a citizen of India and benefiting from the country’s protective constitution, stressed the importance of India’s unity in diversity and its secular character.
The Church recognized the existence of personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property that were tied to religious customs and beliefs. However, the recent public notice issued by the Law Commission of India on June 14, 2023 regarding the implementation of the UCC has raised serious concerns.
The Church presents its objections to the implementation of the UCC in India, highlighting key points:
Protection of religious beliefs:
The Church strongly disapproves of any attempt to impose the beliefs, customs and traditions of one religion on another through the UCC. It emphasizes that personal laws derived from customs and traditions associated with religious beliefs should not be distorted or abolished.
The Church points out that Article 25 of the Indian Constitution gives every religious group the right to manage its own affairs.
Empowerment of Tribal Community:
The Constitution of India through Articles 341, 342 and the Sixth Schedule has made special provisions for the empowerment of tribal communities.
The Church expresses concern that the introduction of the UCC may undermine the special rights and privileges granted to members of tribal communities.
Urgent need:
The Church questions the urgency behind the central government’s push to implement the UCC, especially in light of the views expressed by the 21st Law Commission in 2018. At the time, the Commission held that a Uniform Civil Code was neither necessary nor desirable.
In light of these concerns, the Catholic Church of Meghalaya strongly requested the concerned department and the Government of India to reconsider the implementation of the UCC in the diverse country of India.
The Church stressed the need to maintain religious freedom, protect the rights of different communities and maintain the secular fabric of the nation.