AIMPLB opposes uniform civil code, terms it 'unworkable'

Lucknow, July 27 (IANS) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has termed the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as 'unconstitutional and unworkable for a diverse country like India'.The board has urged the Centre to reconsider its aggressive stance towards getting the UCC implemented in the country and concentrate on real issues like education, employment, inflation and health infrastructure.In a statement, board secretary and its spokesperson Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani reiterated that the country gives everyone the right to live and practise a religion of their choice."Bringing about UCC will only come in the way of that which is fundamentally available right to all Indian citizens. There are more cons than any evident benefit of the UCC. It is in contradiction with the Sharia (Muslim religious laws), legal rights and also social and cultural aspects of living of different citizens in the country," said Maulana Rahmani.He further said, "To divert from the real issues of employment and development, BJP instigates topics which divide people. It is known that in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Population Control Bill and UCC are to be presented as private Bills. The Uttar Pradesh government is also set to pass the Population Draft Bill. We are strongly opposed to these."The spokesman explained, "Sharia gives certain rights to Muslims which will be in contradiction with the UCC. Like polygamy is expected to be dissolved. Similarly, the right to divorce will be taken away from the husband and put in the court which will exploit the woman and remove the chance of mutual and amicable divorce between the partners."The All India Shia Muslim personal Law Board (AISMPLB) has already decried the proposed population Bill and sought a rethinking on the same.
--IANS amita/dpb