SC refuses to entertain a petition to implement Uniform Civil Code
Our Correspondent /
The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a petition filed by a BJP leader asking to implement Uniform Civil Code in India alleging that the Muslim personal law was discriminatory to women.
The court came down heavily on the petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, who happens to be spokesperson of the Delhi unit of BJP, and warned him not to file such petitions in future.
The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice TS Thakur opined that the right forum to handle such controversial issues was Parliament, and not the court. He asked the petitioner to take up such issues with the government.
Justice Thakur observed: “What you cannot do directly you are trying to do indirectly. We will come down heavily if you file such petitions.” Justice Thakur hinted that the petitioner was using the Supreme Court to settle the controversial Uniform Civil Code that many Muslims believe would be interference in their right to practice their religion.
Justice Thakur also questioned the locus of the petitioner in this case. He said: “Why Mr Upadhyay has to file such petition? Why no one from the community is coming forward?”
The bench reminded the petitioner that SC is already considering a suo motto petition regarding the plight of Muslim women due to Muslim Personal Laws.