UCC against religious freedom, will oppose, says Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has passed a resolution stating that it opposes the Uniform Civil Code, which it said, is against the religious freedom and fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution.

The Muslim body said that “people of a certain mindset” are trying to mislead the majority of people by saying that UCC is part of the Constitution. The resolution, leaders said, was passed after a Board meeting on Sunday.

The Jamiat, however, said that they will not hit the streets to protest against it. President Maulana Arshad Madani said that the matter will not only affect Muslims but all Indians. “Jamiat Ulama Hind cannot compromise on its religious affairs and worship in any way. We will not protest on the streets but will take all possible steps within the ambit of law,” he said.

Adding that even RSS chief MS Golwalkar had termed the UCC “unnatural”, the Jamiat said that Article 44 of the Constitution is used to mislead people.

“In a pluralistic society like India, where followers of different religions have been living in peace and unity following the teachings of their respective religions for centuries, the idea of imposing a uniform civil code is not only surprising,” a statement from the Jamiat said.

It added that neither Parliament nor the Supreme Court has the authority to change the basic provisions listed under Chapter 3 of the Constitution.

“Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind considers religious freedom as the spirit of the Constitution, whereas Article 44 is an optional matter under Directive Principles of State Policy, so the issue of religious freedom and rights is secondary and supplementary to the Directive Principles,” the statement said.