New Delhi: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has challenged Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the High Court. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, with Advocate Fazil Ahmad Ayyubi, argued before Chief Justice G. Narayan and Justice Alok Mehra.
Sibal presented two arguments: First, state governments lack authority to legislate a UCC under List III, Entry 5 of the Constitution. Article 44 does not grant them this power. Second, the law violates Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25, infringing fundamental rights.
Sibal requested an immediate stay on the UCC, but the state’s counsel opposed, seeking time to respond. The court issued a notice and set the next hearing for April 1, 2025. Sibal said the stay order will be the main discussion.
He argued that penalties under the UCC make an immediate stay necessary. Chief Justice Narayan stated that if any case arises, petitioners can approach the court. The bench clarified that affected individuals can seek legal relief.
Uttarakhand implemented the UCC on January 27, 2025, in Prime Minister Modi’s presence. Maulana Arshad Madani-led Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind filed the petition, with today’s hearing marking the first step.
Madani called the UCC discriminatory and unconstitutional. He noted that tribal communities were exempted, while Muslims were targeted. He stressed that India’s secular constitution grants minorities special protections, which this law disregards.
Madani expressed hope for justice, noting that non-Muslim petitioners also challenged the UCC. He believes the court will stay the law, as it violates constitutional supremacy and fundamental rights.
New Delhi, February 14: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has challenged Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the High Court. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, with Advocate Fazil Ahmad Ayyubi, argued before Chief Justice G. Narayan and Justice Alok Mehra.
Sibal presented two arguments: First, state governments lack authority to legislate a UCC under List III, Entry 5 of the Constitution. Article 44 does not grant them this power. Second, the law violates Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25, infringing fundamental rights.
Sibal requested an immediate stay on the UCC, but the state’s counsel opposed, seeking time to respond. The court issued a notice and set the next hearing for April 1, 2025. Sibal said the stay order will be the main discussion.
He argued that penalties under the UCC make an immediate stay necessary. Chief Justice Narayan stated that if any case arises, petitioners can approach the court. The bench clarified that affected individuals can seek legal relief.
Uttarakhand implemented the UCC on January 27, 2025, in Prime Minister Modi’s presence. Maulana Arshad Madani-led Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind filed the petition, with today’s hearing marking the first step.
Madani called the UCC discriminatory and unconstitutional. He noted that tribal communities were exempted, while Muslims were targeted. He stressed that India’s secular constitution grants minorities special protections, which this law disregards.
Madani expressed hope for justice, noting that non-Muslim petitioners also challenged the UCC. He believes the court will stay the law, as it violates constitutional supremacy and fundamental rights.
