EA

Eshani AnandAIR 79· 2023

Question Q.4GS2GS2

समान नागरिक संहिता पर बहस के केंद्र में लैंगिक समानता का प्रश्न है। इस आलोक में यूसीसी को संविधान में निहित लैंगिक समानता के साथ सामंजस्य स्थापित करने में क्या चुनौतियाँ हैं? The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution?

Open scan (p.11)

Introduction

Article 44 directs state to endeavour to form a uniform civil code for the nation. However, there are challenges to reconcile UCC with gender equality

25 words

Main Body

CHALLENGES:-

Social & Legal challenges:-

1Multiplicity of laws and differences

Eg: age of marriage - Hindu Personal law: 18 for women, Muslim Personal Law: 15/Puberty

2Protection of customary law under Schedule 5,6:-

Eg: Article 371-C Manipur women have own distinct laws on land and divorce

Cultural Challenges:-

1Matrilineal tribes like Khasis, Garo property is passed through mother

with uncle being the proprietor.

2Such complex inheritance & kinship (KINSHIP) rules can complicate.
3Drastic changes to Hindu texts - MITAKSHARA AND DAYABHAGA are needed
4Difficulty to bring all leaders and religious stakeholders under one umbrella.

Some unforeseeable fallouts:-

1In recent case in Assam:-

Application of Muslim Personal Law - Brides under 18 are married - applied Child Marriage Act - arrest of spouse - suicide of young brides -> economic insecurity

WAY Forward: Law Commission stated that reforming existing laws with respect to gender need to be done:-

make laws GENDER JUST (NO DISCRIMINATION - A15) -> GENDER NEUTRAL (EQUALITY A14, Rights for all) -> Uniform Civil Code (Q.44)

174 words4 paragraphs

Conclusion

Thus with stakeholder participation & consensus, gradual reconciliation can be done.

11 words

Diagram

Flow chart showing Muslim Personal Law case in Assam leading to child marriage and arrest, ending in suicide of young brides due to economic insecurity. Another flow chart showing path from gender just laws to gender neutral laws to Uniform Civil Code.

Topper

Eshani Anand

AIR 792023

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Indian Constitution - Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure

Directives Principles of State Policy

Uniform Civil Code and Gender Equality

Writing Stats

210

Total words

4

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone