Owaisi claims Maharashtra UCC is an attempt to impose Hindu Civil Code
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi alleged the proposed code targets Muslims and lacks definitions for uniformity.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi claimed on Tuesday that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Maharashtra is an attempt to impose a 'Hindu Civil Code' on non-Hindu communities.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Owaisi said his party would oppose the passage and implementation of the UCC in the state. According to reports from Siasat and ANI, the Hyderabad MP alleged that the questionnaire issued by the state government for public opinion shows the Devendra Fadnavis-led government has already decided to implement the code.
Owaisi raised concerns that the questionnaire focuses on polygamy and extra-judicial divorce but contains no questions regarding the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF). He also noted that most questions are framed in a 'yes or no' format. He claimed retired Bombay High Court judge RC Chavan resigned because there was no member from the minority community on the committee.
The AIMIM leader argued that the UCC is a conspiracy to impose the Hindu Marriage Act, the Hindu Succession Act, and the Indian Succession Act on non-Hindus. He stated that under the proposed code, divorce is treated according to the Hindu Marriage Act, whereas Islam provides the right of 'khula' to women.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the decision to draft a UCC, asserting that the Constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy direct states to work towards its implementation. He also alleged that the Opposition is attempting to organise street protests similar to those in neighbouring countries.