Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, which is an ally of the BJP, has categorically stated that the uniform civil code (UCC) which is being pushed by the BJP-led Centre, will not be implemented in Sikkim.
Golay’s assertion is an indication of the growing apprehension on the implementation of UCC, which basically looks at having a common law not based on religion for all citizens of the country.
Golay, at a political meeting in Rangpo, around 38km from capital Gangtok, on Thursday said: “We are not like other states. We have special protection under Article 371 (f). In states with special protection, the UCC will not be implemented.”
The Article 371 (f) protects the old rules and laws of Sikkim.
The implementation of the UCC had been discussed by the 21st Law Commission in 2018, which stated that its implementation was “neither necessary nor desirable at this stage".
However, on June 14, the 22nd Law Commission initiated a fresh consultation process on the UCC by seeking views from stakeholders, including public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.
On June 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also argued in favour of the UCC, kicking up fresh concerns in certain parts of the country.
Modi had said: "We see today that attempts are being made to instigate Muslims in the name of the uniform civil code. You tell me, if there is one law for one member of the family and another law for another member, will that family be able to run? Will that be possible? Then how can the country run with two rules?”
Since then many states have expressed their fears on the implementation of the UCC and largely from the culturally diverse northeastern states.
"You need not take tension on this (issue). We are constantly in touch with the Centre, with UCC chairman Kiren Rijiju (former law minister) and this committee has also recommended that UCC should not be implemented in the northeastern states,” said Golay.
Rijiju is heading the group of ministers (GoM) that has been set up for further deliberation on UCC.
While it is not clear whether the Sikkim Assembly will adopt a resolution against the implementation of UCC, some states have started doing so.
Last Tuesday, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved a resolution in the House against the UCC by terming it a "unilateral and hasty" action on the part of the Centre.
The Mizoram Assembly, too, passed a similar resolution in February this year.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma also reportedly stated that the UCC goes “against the idea of India”, which celebrates diversity.