New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) voiced its objections to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Wednesday, demanding that religious minorities, in addition to tribals, should be exempted from the ambit of such a statute. The AIMPLB’s working committee has approved a draft response on the UCC, which was presented for discussion during a virtual general meeting. The spokesman of the AIMPLB, Kasim Rasool Ilyas, stated that the response has been unanimously approved and subsequently submitted to the Law Commission.

The Law Commission had provided a deadline until July 14 for parties and stakeholders to submit their objections to the UCC. The AIMPLB had previously requested a six-month extension for this timeline. Ilyas mentioned that during the meeting, 250 out of 251 members of the Board participated and were urged to personally present their views opposing the UCC to the Law Commission. They were also encouraged to motivate their relatives, friends, and others to do the same.

The AIMPLB strongly advocates for the exclusion of not only tribals but also all religious minorities from the scope of the Uniform Civil Code. Ilyas emphasized that imposing a single law under the guise of the UCC in a diverse country like India, comprising people of various religions and cultures, would infringe upon democratic rights.

Sources reveal that Sushil Modi, BJP MP and chairman of the parliamentary committee on law, recently advocated for keeping tribals, including those in the North East, outside the purview of the proposed UCC.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board has submitted a draft opposing Uniform Civil Code to Law Commission pic.twitter.com/dvWEmQRrPN

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2023

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, established in 1973, is a prominent Muslim non-governmental organization dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the application of Islamic personal law among Muslims in India.

The Law Commission also initiated a new consultation process on the UCC. It has also sought inputs from stakeholders from public and religious organisations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently emphasized the need for implementing the Uniform Civil Code, accusing the opposition of exploiting the issue to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.

By expressing their objections and advocating for exemptions for religious minorities, the AIMPLB aims to participate in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Uniform Civil Code, emphasizing the need to protect the diversity and democratic values of the Indian society.