MNF president and Mizoram CM Zoramthanga writes to Law Commission opposing Uniform Civil Code

The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram, an alliance partner of the BJP, both in NDA and NEDA, on Tuesday expressed its opposition to the implementation of the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

MNF President and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has sent a letter to the Law Commission and said that the Mizoram Assembly on February 14, 2023, already unanimously resolved to oppose any steps taken or proposed to be taken for the enactment of UCC in India.

Zoramthanga said that when the MNF signed an agreement with the Government of India on June 30, 1986, it was agreed that “no Act of Parliament in respect of Religious or Social practices of the Mizos, Mizo customary law and procedure will be implemented in the state unless the state Legislative Assembly decides to pass such a resolution.

CM Zoramthanga said that the said resolution was moved, discussed and thereafter unanimously adopted by the Mizoram State Legislative Assembly for the reasons that the UCC, if enacted, “would disintegrate the country as it was an attempt to terminate the religious or social practices, customary laws, culture and traditions of the religious minorities, including the Mizos.”

Zoramthanga said that MNF signed an agreement with the Government of India on June 30, 1986. ‘According to the agreement, “no Act of Parliament in respect of Religious or Social practices of the Mizos, Mizo customary law and procedure to the State of Mizoram unless the Mizoram Legislative Assembly takes a resolution.

The Centre’s move to come up with a UCC has sparked widespread debate across the nation and in the Northeastern region too.

The Neiphiu Rio-led NDPP in Nagaland, and NPP in Meghalaya also expressed their opposition to the implementation of UCC across India.

If reports are to be believed, the Centre is considering to introduce a bill on implementing UCC during the upcoming session of Parliament.
The concept of a UCC involves the formulation and implementation of personal laws that would apply to all citizens of India, irrespective of their religion, sex, gender, or sexual orientation. At present, personal laws are governed by religious scriptures within various communities.