Tue Jan 28 04:18:42 UTC 2025: ## Muslim Organization to Challenge Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code in Court
**Dehradun, Uttarakhand –** The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a prominent Muslim organization, announced it will challenge Uttarakhand’s newly implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in court. The state became the first in India to enact the UCC on January 27th, 2025, standardizing personal laws related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance across all religions.
Jamiat president, Maulana Arshad Madani, and other leaders strongly criticized the UCC, claiming it violates the constitutional right to religious freedom and is based on discrimination against Muslims. They argue that the law infringes upon the Muslim community’s adherence to Sharia law and that the state government lacks the authority to enact such legislation. Specifically, Madani questioned the exemption granted to Scheduled Tribes under the UCC, while religious freedoms for Muslims are not similarly accommodated.
The organization contends that the UCC disregards the opinions of the majority of citizens and the recommendations of the Law Commission of India, which previously advised against the code’s implementation. They accuse the government of imposing the law autocratically, undermining democratic values and creating a climate of fear among religious minorities.
The Jamiat’s legal team is preparing to file challenges in both the Uttarakhand High Court and the Supreme Court. The organization maintains its commitment to upholding Islamic Sharia law and utilizing all democratic means to oppose the UCC. This legal challenge is expected to set a significant precedent regarding the constitutionality and enforceability of the UCC across India.
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