M Karunanidhi: Common civil code not practical in pluralistic country

CHENNAI: Opposing the Union government's move to refer the uniform civil code issue to the Law Commission, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi on Monday said uniform civil code is not practical in a pluralistic country like India. When there are several issues in the country to be solved, taking up the uniform civil code issue, which is not a priority, would create complications, he said. Nearly 99 per cent of the laws are common for all people and separate laws had been allowed for Muslims only on matters of marriage, divorce, naming heirs and Wakf board administration.

He said separate laws had been allowed for Hindus, Sikhs and other communities by the Indian Constitution. “The major difference between India and other countries is the unity in diversity and our ancestors had made the concept reflect in the laws.. The criminal acts are common to all and some differences are allowed on the basis of religion on issues of divorce, adopting children and property rights”.

Even within Hindus, the customs of one caste are different from others, he said and a common civil code for all religion and castes would be an illusion and would not be practical, Karunanidhi contended. “Only when the religious, cultural and linguistic rights of each citizen are protected, there will be trust in the country and its integrity. When such rights are denied through common civil code and sentiments are wounded, anyone will doubt if this is his country or not”, he said.