The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday opposed the preparation of the Uniform Civil Code as its implementation would have an adversarial impression on minority and tribal communities.

In an announcement right here, SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema mentioned the SAD has all the time opposed the preparation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and would submit its reservations on this subject to the twenty second Law Commission in addition to in parliament.

SAD is a former ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which runs the federal government on the Centre, and is proposing the implementation of the UCC. SAD severed ties with the saffron occasion in 2021 over the now repealed three farm legal guidelines.

Cheema mentioned his occasion believes that civil legal guidelines within the nation have been influenced by religion, perception, caste and customs and have been totally different for various religions. “These should be retained in the interest of safeguarding the social fabric as well as the concept of unity in diversity,” he steered.

“We must take into account the fact that the Constitution makers did not give UCC the status of fundamental rights. It was kept in the concurrent list and is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Changing this status is not desirable as it will cause friction in society,” he said, adding, “If any particular personal law is discriminatory, it could be amended but forming a UCC for the entire country is not advisable.”

Calling for wider consultation on the issue, Cheema said this should have been done before introducing a private member bill in this regard in the Rajya Sabha.

Criticizes AAP for supporting UCC

SAD also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for extending its support to the UCC, saying this had exposed its anti-minorities face.

“AAP and its convener Arvind Kejriwal promised ‘badlav’ in Punjab, but are now openly supporting an issue which will cause strife in civil society”, Cheema added.

Delhi unit of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) head Paramjit Singh Sarna additionally denounced the AAP choice to lend assist to the proposed UCC.

“This move by AAP is an evidence of its ultra-majoritarian ideology, and raises serious concerns about the future of India’s diversity and pluralism,” Sarna mentioned.