KOHIMA: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has resoundingly endorsed a resolution opposing the adoption of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). In a unanimous decision, the assembly members, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, expressed deep concerns regarding the potential ramifications of this proposed legislation on the state's customary laws, social practices, and religious traditions.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized that the UCC, which seeks to establish a uniform legal framework for personal matters like marriage, divorce, custody, guardianship, adoption, maintenance, succession, and inheritance, could imperil the cherished customs and social and religious practices of Nagaland. The unanimous resolution called for the complete exemption of the state from the jurisdiction of the proposed UCC.

In his statement, Rio articulated, "...The apparent objective of the UCC is to have a single law on personal matters such as marriage and divorce, custody and guardianship, adoption and maintenance, succession and inheritance, and our view is that UCC would pose a threat to the customary laws, and social and religious practices, which would be in danger of encroachment in the event of imposition of UCC..."

Rio also highlighted that the government of Nagaland had conveyed its opposition to the UCC to the Law Commission on July 4, citing the unique historical context of Nagaland and the protection guaranteed under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution. Furthermore, during a consultative meeting organized by the state government on September 1, various tribal hohos and organizations vehemently voiced their objections to the UCC.

Article 371(A) was pointed out as a safeguard for the religious and social practices of the Nagas.

The 22nd Law Commission, on June 14, had sought public input and engaged with recognized religious organizations to assess the implications of the UCC.

The Uniform Civil Code has been a contentious issue for the past four years, sparking heated debates and polarizing opinions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reignited the discussion by advocating for the implementation of uniform legislation. He argued that the nation cannot operate under two distinct legal systems and emphasized that the UCC aligns with the foundational principles and ideals of the Constitution.

Addressing booth-level workers in Bhopal, PM Modi remarked, "Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights... Supreme Court has also asked to implement the UCC. These (Opposition) people are playing vote bank politics."

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