New Delhi: The Centre said on Friday that the country’s “real mood” favoured abolishing the contentious practice of triple talaq, asserting that the issue should not be confused with the government’s push for a uniform civil code (UCC).
The All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and some other Muslim outfits had announced on Thursday to boycott a questionnaire circulated by the Law Commission on UCC, and vowed to block any attempt to abolish Islamic family laws, comprising triple talaq and polygamy.
Information and broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu asked the AIMPLB on Friday to join the debate.
Debate uniform code: Naidu to Muslim Board
The row over the law panel’s decision to seek public opinion on the Uniform Civil Code intensified on Friday with the government accusing the All India Muslim Personal Law Board of ‘politicking’ on the issue even as Congress said it should not be “imposed”.
In an affidavit in the Supreme Court, the government has opposed opposed the practice of triple talaq, ‘nikah halala’ and polygamy among Muslims and favoured a relook on grounds of gender equality and secularism.
Defending its stand on ‘triple talaq’, the government asked when over a dozen Islamic countries were regulating the practice by enacting laws, how could it be considered wrong for a “secular” country like India.
Steering clear of the ‘triple talaq’ controversy, the Congress said the issue is before the Supreme Court and fell back upon Dr B R Ambedkar’s remarks on the matter to drive home the point that all stakeholders needed to be taken into confidence for any change.
Demanding an “debate” on UCC, Information and Broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu said “You (AIMPLB) join the debate. Let there be enlightened debate you put forth your point of view. Let a consensus be evolved. Why are you trying to bring in the name of Prime Minister and call him dictator.”
