India must move towards adopting a secular civil code, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day.
“It is need of hour to have a secular civil code and do away with discriminatory communal civil code,” he said.
In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said, “A large section of the country believes, which is true also, that the civil code is actually in a way is a communal civil code. It discriminates (among people).” He said laws which divide the country on communal lines and become a reason for inequality have no place in a modern society.
“I would say, it is the need of the hour that India should have a secular civil code. We have lived 75 years with a communal civil code. Now, we have to move towards a secular civil code. Only then would religion-based discrimination end. It would also end the disconnect the common people feel,” he said.
The prime minster noted that the Supreme Court has given various directions in this regard. The spirit of the Constitution also encourages such a code, he said, referring to Article 44 under the Directive Principles of State Policy.
It states that it is the duty of the State to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.
“It is our responsibility to fulfil the dream of the makers of our Constitution. I believe there should be a serious discussion on the subject,” he said.
Uttarakhand came out with its own uniform civil code recently.
The government had referred the issue of a common code to the Law Commission which last year began fresh public consultations on the issue.
A uniform civil code in India has been a key agenda of successive BJP manifestos.
PM Modi also spoke about the country’s efforts to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, noting that the government’s focus on sign language and the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan reflects a deep respect for their dignity.
He praised the achievements of India’s paralympians, saying their successes showcase the strength and potential of every Indian.
“When our athletes in the Paralympics showcase their new strengths, it reflects the strength of our collective spirit,” he said.
The prime minister also highlighted progress in the rights of the transgender community, noting recent legislative changes aimed at ensuring equality.
“Our decisions and new laws for the transgender community reflect our commitment to providing them with a dignified life,” he said, emphasising the direction of change towards greater inclusivity.
Addressing the issue of advancements in women’s rights, Modi discussed the extension of paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
“The extension of paid maternity leave is not just about respect for women but also about making thoughtful decisions to ensure that the child in a mother’s care becomes an exemplary citizen,” he said.
He underscored that this change reflects a compassionate and constitutional approach to supporting working mothers and their children.
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‘India must move towards a secular civil code’: PM Modi on UCC
