Speech on Uniform Civil Code in English

This page presents a speech on Uniform Civil Code for school students. Today, we discuss the Uniform Civil Code, recently implemented by Uttarakhand with President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on March 13, 2024. Introduced to establish a common law for all, the UCC remains a contentious and politically charged topic in India, sparking debates since its inception.

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 2 Minute Speech on Uniform Civil Code

‘Good morning, respected teachers and dear friends. Today, I address you on an essential topic—the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The UCC aims to create a common law for all Indians, unifying the diverse personal laws followed by different religions and communities. Article 44 of our Constitution states, “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.” The UCC’s purpose is clear: to unite all Indians under one law. This need was highlighted in the 1985 Shah Bano case, where the Supreme Court ruled in favour of maintenance for a divorced Muslim woman, exposing the discrimination women face under religious laws. The primary aim of the UCC is to promote gender equality. Personal laws in religious communities often disadvantage women in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Implementing a common civil law would foster a sense of unity and national integration, streamlining legal processes by eliminating the need for different laws for different communities. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar introduced the UCC in the Constituent Assembly. While it is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy and not enforceable by law, it serves as a guiding principle for the central and state governments to work towards the welfare of all citizens. The UCC envisions abolishing personal laws based on religious texts, which regulate nearly every aspect of life and often discriminate against minorities and women. Historically, civilizations like the Romans and Mesopotamians governed themselves based on civil laws rather than holy texts. The UCC, introduced in 1948, faced opposition from both Islamic fundamentalists and orthodox Hindus, who saw it as a threat to religious freedom. Implementing the UCC will bring uniformity to our country, uplifting women and oppressed religious communities. Goa remains the only Indian state where the UCC is implemented. Globally, even Islamic countries like Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco have codified personal laws per their constitutions, banning discriminatory practices like triple talaq. The UCC’s successful implementation requires building consensus and involving experts from all communities. Only then can we ensure a unified and just India. Thank you.

Also Read: Essay on Uniform Civil Code

3 Minute Speech on Uniform Civil Code

‘Good morning, respected teachers and dear friends. Today, I stand before you to discuss a pivotal yet controversial topic—the Uniform Civil Code, often referred to as the UCC. Introduced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly, the UCC is enshrined in Article 44 of our Indian Constitution. It forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policies, guiding the central and state governments in creating laws that promote the welfare of all citizens. The concept of the UCC is to establish a common civil code for everyone, transcending the boundaries of personal laws dictated by various religious texts. Historically, these personal laws have governed aspects of life such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and guardianship. However, many of these laws are discriminatory and have been particularly unfair to minorities and women. The idea of a unified code is not new. Ancient civilizations like the Romans and Mesopotamians operated under civil laws rather than religious doctrines. Similarly, the U.S. Constitution exemplifies the principle of equality for all individuals under a common law. In November 1948, when the UCC was introduced in the Indian Constituent Assembly, it sparked a significant debate, dividing the assembly into proponents and opponents. The objective was clear: “One Nation, One Law.” Yet, this simple objective proved challenging to implement in a newly independent India, a country with immense diversity in religion, ethnicity, and social customs. Orthodox Hindus and Islamic fundamentalists opposed the UCC, fearing it would erode their religious freedoms and authority. The opposition was so intense that it led to the UCC being relegated to a Directive Principle, making it non-enforceable by law. Article 44 states, “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.”Despite these challenges, the implementation of the UCC promises significant benefits. It would bring uniformity to our nation, uplift women and oppressed religious communities, and ensure equal rights for all. Today, Goa remains the only Indian state with a UCC, a legacy of its Portuguese colonial past where a common civil code was applied. It’s worth noting that even Islamic countries like Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco have reformed their laws in line with constitutional mandates. For instance, Jordan and Egypt have banned practices like triple talaq. The UCC gained renewed attention in the 1980s with the Shah Bano case, where the Supreme Court ruled in favour of a Muslim woman seeking maintenance post-divorce, highlighting the need for a common civil code to promote national integration. In its 2019 manifesto, the BJP promised to harmonize personal laws across religions, yet the UCC remains controversial. Misuse by religious forces and misinterpretation by politicians continue to hinder its acceptance. To achieve the successful implementation of the UCC, we must build a consensus. This requires bringing together experts from all communities and faiths to ensure that the code respects India’s diverse cultural and religious landscape while upholding the principle of equality for all. The Uniform Civil Code is not just a legal reform; it is a step towards realizing the true spirit of our Constitution—justice, equality, and unity for all Indians. Let us work together to make this vision a reality. Thank you.

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Objective Of Uniform Civil Code 

1. Ensuring Gender Equality

Objective: To provide equal rights to men and women in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

Explanation: Currently, personal laws often discriminate against women. A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to eliminate these inequalities by establishing a common legal framework that grants equal rights to both genders, promoting gender justice and empowering women.

2. Promoting National Integration

Objective: To unify diverse communities under a single legal framework.

Explanation: India is a diverse country with numerous religions and cultures, each having its own laws. A UCC seeks to integrate these communities by applying the same set of laws to everyone, thereby fostering a sense of national unity and reducing inter-community conflicts.

3. Simplifying Legal Procedures

Objective: To streamline and simplify the legal system by eliminating the complexities of various personal laws.

Explanation: The coexistence of multiple personal laws can create confusion and complicate legal proceedings. A UCC would provide a clear and consistent set of laws, making legal processes more straightforward and reducing the burden on the judiciary.

4. Modernising Legal Framework

Objective: To update and align the legal system with contemporary values and international human rights standards.

Explanation: Many personal laws are based on ancient traditions and may not reflect modern values of equality, liberty, and justice. A UCC aims to modernize the legal framework, ensuring it aligns with current societal norms and global human rights principles.

5. Promoting Secularism

Objective: To separate religion from law and ensure laws are based on individual rights rather than religious doctrines.

Explanation: A UCC promotes the constitutional principle of secularism by establishing a legal framework that treats all citizens equally, regardless of their religious beliefs. This separation supports a secular society where individual rights are paramount, and religion does not dictate legal entitlements.

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