– Zaina Aman
New Delhi, Feb. 8: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has slammed the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill, denouncing it as nothing but “political propaganda.” In a scathing statement, AIMPLB spokesperson S.Q.R. Ilyas criticized the legislation, branding it as a mere facade aimed at deceiving voters.
Ilyas pointed out that the bill, rushed through without proper deliberation, only superficially addresses key aspects such as marriage, divorce, and succession. He argued that such matters fall within the jurisdiction of the Parliament, as outlined in Article 245 of the Constitution, making state-level interference questionable.
Furthermore, the proposed law’s attempt to impose an overriding effect over existing legislation raised concerns about its legality. AIMPLB also contested provisions related to inheritance rights, citing conflicts with Islamic law’s principles of equitable distribution.
The board dismissed the ban on second marriage as a publicity stunt, citing government data showing a decline in such marriages and emphasizing their social necessity.
Overall, AIMPLB’s rejection of the Uttarakhand UCC Bill underscores deep-seated reservations within the Muslim community, signaling a potential legal and political showdown over the contentious legislation.
