Kohima, Sept 13: In a unanimous decision, the Nagaland Assembly has passed a resolution rejecting the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The state has requested complete exemption from the proposed UCC, citing concerns that it could threaten local customary laws and the social and religious practices of its people.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, addressing the Assembly, expressed the state’s apprehension, stating, “The Nagaland government and Naga people are of the view that the UCC will pose a threat to customary laws, social practices, and the religious practices of the Naga people, which will be in danger of encroachment in the event of the imposition of the UCC.”
He further explained, “The apparent objective of the UCC is to have a single law on personal matters such as marriage and divorce, custody and guardianship, adoption and maintenance, succession and inheritance, which, in our view, should pose a threat to our customary laws, social practices, and religious practices, which will be in danger of encroachment in the event of the imposition of UCC.”
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The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to establish a unified legal framework for personal matters like marriage, divorce, custody, guardianship, adoption, maintenance, succession, and inheritance.
Rio highlighted that the Nagaland government had already communicated its opposition to the UCC to the Commission on July 4. This opposition is rooted in Nagaland’s unique history, its long-standing policy of non-interference since the pre-Independence British era, and the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371A, which protect the religious, social practices, and customary laws of the Nagas.
He also mentioned that during a consultative meeting held by the state government on September 1, various tribal organizations and civil societies vehemently expressed their objections to the implementation of the UCC.
Article 371A of the Constitution ensures that no parliamentary act applies to the state of Nagaland in matters related to the religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law, administration of civil or criminal justice according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources unless the Assembly passes a resolution to the contrary.
On Monday, legislators discussed the potential consequences of implementing the UCC in the state. Nagaland Speaker Sharingain Longkumer granted the government permission to present the resolution, which was subsequently passed unanimously through a voice vote without any amendments.
