[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Survey favors a uniform civil code
PUBLIC OPINION FAVORS A UNIFORM CIVIL CODE
Times of India, June 23, 1995
Highlights of the Survey
*73% welcome the Supreme Court decision invalidating second marriages
Hindu husbands converting to Islam
*84% favor a Uniform Civil Code
*61% favor a uniform code even though Hindus may lose tax savings privileges
through the device of HUF
*64% disagree with the PM that a uniform code should be introduced only if
minorities want it.
*74% favor compulsory registration of all marriages
New Delhi: "There is no justification whatsoever in delaying the introduction
of a uniform personal law in the country", said the Supreme Court in a
judgement last month. The judges asked the government to take steps to
implement the mandate of Article 44 of the Constitution and furnish a report
on the action taken by August next year. However, PM Rao assured a group
of concerned Muslim leaders later that he does not propose to take any action
on the court's directive unless the minorities want it.
A public opinion poll conducted on the issue in the nine metropolitan cities
finds that an overwhelming 84% of the respondents want a uniform civil code
for all citizens irrespective of their religion. A sizable 64% do not agree
with the PM that a uniform code should be introduced only if and when the
minorities are ready for it.
Nearly three forths (74%) are in favor of making civil marriage through
registry compulsory. This in itself would go a long way in providing legal
protection to the rights of married women of all religions. About the same
number (73%) also welcome the Supreme COurt's decision invalidating the
second marriages of Hindu husbands converting to Islam.
Hindus at present enjoy special treatment under tax laws through the tax-
saving device of the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), a privilege that may be
lost under a unified civil code. A good majority (61%) say they are in
favor of a unified law even if it means loss of the HUF privilege for Hindus.
The opinion poll was conducted among 2330 men and women of voting age in
the cities of Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore, Ahmedabad,
Lucknow, Hydrabad and Cochin.
There are, however, certain city wise variations. In two cities, Hydrabad
and Bangalore, more people disapprove of the Supreme Court ruling against
the second marriage of Hindu husbands (50% to 48% in Hydrabad and 49% to 46%
in Bangalore). In contrast, a large majority in the other seven cities
welcomes the judgement - ranging from 64% in Cochin to 93% in Calcutta.
Hydrabad is alos the only city where the majority (57%) feels that the
PM is right in saying that a uniform code should be introduced only if
minorities agree.
