"It is a regret that Article 44 has remained a dead letter" said Justice Y V Chandrachud in Shah Bano judgement (1985). Our constitution-makers have placed 'Uniform Civil Code(Article 44)' under Directive principles of State Policy(Part IV). Need for UCC to balance diversity and ensure social justiRead more
“It is a regret that Article 44 has remained a dead letter” said Justice Y V Chandrachud in Shah Bano judgement (1985). Our constitution-makers have placed ‘Uniform Civil Code(Article 44)’ under Directive principles of State Policy(Part IV).
Need for UCC to balance diversity and ensure social justice
1) It enhances ‘Secularism’ – mentioned in Preamble and a part of Basic structure.
2) It is based on ‘Equality’ – a fundamental right (Article 14)
3) Personal laws are usually against women and marginal, vulnerable sections.
For example, Shariat – allows polygamy (Sarala Mudgal Case)
5) States like Goa, Uttarkhand have adopted UCC after legislative consensus
6) Supreme Court has supported its implementation in multiple instances.
Challenges to implement UCC
1. Article 26 provides for the right to manage one’s own religious matters.
2. Debate of – Fundamental Rights(Article 26) v/s DPSPs(Article 44)
3. STs have customary laws protected by the constitution itself.
4. Apprehensions of imposition of majoritarian values on minority
5. Accommodating diversity
Way forward
1) 22nd Law commission sought public consultation process on UCC
2) Consensus building that UCC is necessary
3) In the short-term personal laws can be codified phase-wise
4) UCC should not be imposed right away through an ordinance, it should pass through parliamentary debates and deliberations
5) Political parties should rise above differences for the common good of all
A fundamental change in people’s mindset is required for UCC’s implementation.
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According to ancient Hindu scriptures, the concept of life and existence is expansive and goes beyond just Earth. While specific mentions of extraterrestrial life as understood in modern scientific terms are limited, Hindu scriptures do discuss various realms, beings, and planes of existence that exRead more
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, the concept of life and existence is expansive and goes beyond just Earth. While specific mentions of extraterrestrial life as understood in modern scientific terms are limited, Hindu scriptures do discuss various realms, beings, and planes of existence that extend beyond our earthly realm. Here are some key points from Hindu scriptures related to life and existence:
### 1. **Cosmic Perspective**
– Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, describe the universe as vast and multidimensional. They speak of multiple lokas (worlds or realms) that exist beyond our earthly realm.
– These lokas include Svarga (heavenly realms), Patala (lower realms), and other celestial domains that house various deities, celestial beings, and other forms of life.
### 2. **Concept of Rebirth and Karma**
– Central to Hindu belief is the concept of reincarnation (samsara), where the soul (atman) undergoes multiple births based on its karma (actions) until it achieves liberation (moksha).
– Reincarnation implies that life and existence are not limited to Earth but can manifest across different realms and planes depending on one’s spiritual evolution and deeds.
### 3. **Devas, Asuras, and Other Beings**
– Hindu mythology includes a rich tapestry of divine beings, semi-divine beings, demons (asuras), and celestial entities that inhabit various realms. These beings often interact with humans and influence earthly affairs.
– Stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata involve interactions between humans and celestial beings, indicating a belief in a broader cosmic community.
### 4. **Symbolism and Allegory**
– Many narratives and teachings in Hindu scriptures use symbolic language and allegory to convey philosophical truths and cosmic principles. This approach allows for interpretations that go beyond literal descriptions of life on Earth.
### 5. **Absence of Modern Scientific Concept**
– It’s important to note that ancient Hindu scriptures were not concerned with modern scientific questions about extraterrestrial life in the same way contemporary science addresses them.
– The focus of Hindu scriptures is primarily spiritual and philosophical, exploring the nature of existence, consciousness, and the divine rather than scientific inquiry into biological or astronomical specifics.
In conclusion, while ancient Hindu scriptures do not explicitly discuss extraterrestrial life as modern science might, they present a cosmological worldview that includes multiple realms and dimensions of existence beyond Earth. The emphasis is on spiritual evolution, the interplay of divine forces, and the journey of the soul through various states of being, reflecting a profound and expansive understanding of life and existence.
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