Veteran actor and Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha has praised the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, calling it a “commendable” step but cautioning that its nationwide enforcement poses challenges.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Sinha highlighted inconsistencies in implementing a uniform law across the country. Citing food restrictions, he pointed out how bans on beef and non-vegetarian food differ from region to region.
“Beef has been banned in many parts of the country. I believe not just beef, but all non-vegetarian food should be banned. However, in some places like the Northeast, it is still legal. Waha khao toh yummy, par humare North India mein khao toh mummy (It’s okay to eat there, but a problem here),” he said.
While backing UCC, Sinha urged the government to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the details before enforcing it nationwide.
“The UCC must not be seen as an election or vote-bank strategy. It should be drafted carefully with inputs from all sections of society,” he said.
UCC in Uttarakhand
On January 27, Uttarakhand became the first state to implement UCC after Independence. The law mandates marriage and live-in relationship registrations, grants equal property rights to sons and daughters, and provides equal grounds for divorce. The Pushkar Dhami-led BJP government has also introduced an online portal for marriage, divorce, and inheritance registrations.
The Gujarat government is now considering introducing a similar UCC, further pushing forward one of the BJP’s key promises.
