New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has challenged the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Uttarakhand High Court. The BJP-led state government implemented the UCC last month. AIMPLB argues that the law violates religious rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
Dr. SQR Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson, said the petition claims the UCC violates constitutional articles and Muslim personal law, which is protected under the Shariat Application Act, 1937 and the Indian Constitution. The High Court accepted the petition, scheduling the next hearing for April 1, 2025.
Following the UCC notification on January 27, 2025, ten individuals associated with AIMPLB filed the petition. The petitioners include Razia Baig, Abdul Basit, Khursheed Ahmed, Taufeeq Alam, Mohammad Tahir, Noor Karam Khan, Abdul Rauf, Yaqoob Siddiqui, Latafat Hussain, and Akhtar Hussain—all residents of Uttarakhand.
Ms. Nabeela Jameel, Advocate, drafted the petition, and Mr. M.R. Shamshad, Senior Advocate, settled it. The petition challenges the entire UCC, citing violations of fundamental and individual rights, as the Indian Constitution and Shariat Application Act, 1937 protect Islamic personal law.
Mr. M.R. Shamshad, also an AIMPLB executive member, appeared for the petitioners, assisted by Imran Ali and Mohammad Yusuf, Advocates. The Solicitor General represented the State and Central Government. The court issued a notice to the State, granting liberty to file a Counter Affidavit. The case is listed for April 1, 2025, to be heard with other pending petitions against the UCC.
