New Delhi: Advocates Aslam Ahmed and Raees Ahmed have voiced strong opposition to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Wakf (Amendment) Bill 2024, respectively, describing them as unconstitutional and against public sentiment.
Advocate-on-record of the Supreme Court, Aslam Ahmed, criticised the Uttarakhand government’s move to implement UCC in the state, stating that it undermines the constitutional spirit of India. He emphasised that India’s diverse fabric was safeguarded by its Constitution, which was framed to respect the rights and cultures of all communities.
However, recent government actions are allegedly eroding these principles by imposing laws that disregard the rights of various cultural and religious groups.
Ahmed pointed out that the government’s decision to impose fines for failing to register marriages and divorces – while mandating the registration of live-in relationships – reflects a contradictory approach. He argued that such interventions in personal laws threaten the democratic framework and the trust of marginalised communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities, in the Constitution and judiciary. Ahmed urged the government to reconsider the UCC and withdraw it immediately. He also highlighted a public awareness campaign initiated through a video, which has been well-received nationwide.
On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, prominent TV panellist and advocate Raees Ahmed raised concerns about the government’s intentions regarding the Waqf Properties Act, 1995. He alleged that the government is advancing a misleading narrative against Waqf properties in the media and public domain to justify its control over these assets. Ahmed highlighted that the Waqf Bill, hurriedly introduced in Parliament last year, faced stiff resistance from constitutional experts and opposition parties.
Subsequently, the bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), but Ahmed criticised the JPC for ignoring the suggestions and objections from scholars, organisations, and Waqf institutions. He warned that this move has sparked unrest among minorities and democracy-loving citizens.
Ahmed appealed to the government to reconsider and withdraw the bill, urging the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the issue and halt the implementation of such laws.
Both advocates underscored that any law undermining constitutional values is unacceptable to Indian citizens and called for immediate action to preserve democratic rights and justice.
