Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Q1. To what extent can a Uniform Civil Code reconcile the competing claims of social diversity and individual equality in India? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
Recent judicial observations and policy debates have revived discussions on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), particularly in relation to gender justice, constitutional equality and India’s plural social structure.Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysing the extent to which a Uniform Civil Code can reconcile the competing principles of social diversity and individual equality in India. It expects evaluating both the potential of UCC in advancing equality and the challenges posed by India’s plural social framework.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly indicate the constitutional vision of a Uniform Civil Code under Article 44 and its relevance to debates on equality and pluralism in Indian society.Body
- Role of UCC in advancing individual equality: Suggest discussing how uniform family laws can strengthen gender justice and constitutional equality.
- Limitations due to social diversity: Suggest examining how India’s religious, cultural and customary pluralism creates challenges in achieving uniformity in personal laws.
Conclusion
Highlight the need for a balanced and consultative approach to family law reform that harmonises constitutional values with India’s social diversity.
