The primary tenet of the UCC, as envisioned by the Constitution’s authors, was equality. It would challenge biased laws that deprive women of equal rights in marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance. But ironically, behind all the political bluster, the UCC has lost its lustre. It has been implemented in Uttarakhand in January 2025. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have passed similar laws, while Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh have begun the process of drafting such codes. Some state-wise exceptions have been carved out, especially for tribal communities. Goa remains the only state to have a UCC from the colonial era.
If the NDA is indeed keen to roll out a UCC across the nation, it must first win the confidence of the people, be transparent in its objective, and hold public discussions with community, religious, civil society, industry and women’s group leaders. The trust deficit is evident even in NDA constituent JD(U) reiterating its opposition to a UCC in Bihar. Ultimately, a parliamentary route would be a clearer way to attain something the Constitution urges lawmakers to consider.