Maharashtra CM Fadnavis defends Uniform Civil Code implementation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended his government's decision to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asserting that the implementation is a constitutional responsibility under the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis responded to criticisms from AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He stated that the Constitution directs states to work toward a UCC and accused the Opposition of attempting to orchestrate protests and create distrust in constitutional bodies.

Asaduddin Owaisi has opposed the proposed code, alleging that it is an attempt to impose a “Hindu Civil Code” on non-Hindus. Owaisi claimed the move aims to target Muslim religious identity by seeking to replace Islamic marriage contracts with provisions based on the Hindu Marriage Act and the Indian Succession Act. He further argued that the move contradicts the intent of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.