In a recent judgment that has sparked both hope and conversation, the Karnataka High Court has urged the Central and State Governments to take meaningful steps towards enacting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a single law that would apply equally to every citizen of India, regardless of religion.
A Call for Justice, Equality, and Unity
Justice Hanchate Sanjeev Kumar, while deciding a family dispute over property, made a powerful observation. He reminded the nation that India’s Constitution promises equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity for all, and a Uniform Civil Code would be a major step in truly fulfilling that promise.
He pointed out how women in India suffer unequal treatment under different personal laws. For example, a daughter under Hindu law enjoys equal rights to property as a son. But under Muslim personal law, a sister is treated as a residuary—a term that not only sounds unfair but also reflects an unequal legal status. This, the judge said, is not just about religion—it’s about being human, being fair, and treating every Indian with dignity.
Real Lives, Real Impact
This emotional appeal came during the judgment of a property partition case involving Samiulla Khan and others, who were fighting for their share in the property left behind by their sister, Shahnaz Begum. The dispute revolved around who owned what and whether the properties were self-acquired by the deceased or jointly purchased with her husband. The High Court found that both properties had been jointly acquired and not solely by the deceased sister. As a result, applying Muslim personal law, the husband received a larger share, while the brothers and sister got lesser portions. But more than just settling this particular case, the judge used this moment to speak for millions of Indian women—women who are still waiting for equal treatment under the law.
A Vision Backed by History and the Constitution
Justice Kumar reminded the public that this is not a new idea. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, along with leaders like Sardar Patel and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, strongly supported a common civil law for all citizens. Even the Supreme Court, in landmark cases like Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal, has urged the Parliament to act on this. He also pointed out that some Indian states, like Goa and Uttarakhand, have already moved forward with their own versions of a Uniform Civil Code, proving that it’s not just possible but practical and progressive.
The Road Ahead
The Court directed its Registrar General to send a copy of this judgment to the Law Secretaries of both the Centre and the State of Karnataka, in the hope that real action will follow. Because for India to become a truly secular and united country, we need to rise above religious divisions in civil matters and bring in a Uniform Civil Code that treats every citizen equally. As the judgment rightly said, the time has come to fulfill the dream of the Constitution—to build a nation where justice isn’t based on religion but on humanity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available judicial observations and factual case details from the Karnataka High Court. It aims to present the issue of the Uniform Civil Code in a simplified and human-friendly manner for general informational purposes only. It does not intend to hurt any religious or legal sentiments.
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