Which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution is related to Uniform Code of Conduct?

The correct answer is Article 44.

Key Points

• Article 44 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to endeavor to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.
• The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen.
• Article 44 falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), which are non-enforceable by courts but serve as guiding principles for governance.
• The UCC is intended to promote gender equality, secularism, and national integration by ensuring equal treatment under the law for all citizens irrespective of religion.
• It has been a topic of debate and discussion since the inception of the Constitution, with proponents arguing for social justice and critics expressing concerns about religious freedom.

Additional Information

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
  • Part IV of the Indian Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy.
  • These principles are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by any court.
  • They serve as guidelines for the government to establish policies aimed at achieving social and economic democracy.
  • Examples include promoting the welfare of the people, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and securing environmental protection.
• Personal Laws in India:
  • Personal laws govern matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance.
  • They differ based on religious communities, such as Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and others.
  • Examples include the Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law, and Christian Marriage Act.
  • Critics argue that these laws may lead to inequality and discrimination, particularly against women.
• Secularism in India:
  • India follows the principle of secularism, meaning the State treats all religions equally and does not favor or discriminate against any.
  • The concept of secularism is enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
  • UCC is often discussed in the context of secularism, as it aims to unify legal practices across religions.
• Historical Background of UCC:
  • The demand for UCC can be traced back to the colonial era when the British codified laws for Hindus and Muslims but left other communities untouched.
  • The framers of the Indian Constitution, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, envisioned UCC as a step toward modernizing and unifying the nation.
  • However, due to opposition from various religious groups, it was included in the non-enforceable Directive Principles instead of the Fundamental Rights.