Sat Apr 05 18:17:53 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka High Court Urges UCC Implementation for Gender Equality
**Bengaluru, April 5, 2025** – The Karnataka High Court has called on Parliament and the state legislature to enact a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), arguing it is crucial for achieving gender equality and justice for women. The court’s appeal came during a ruling on a property dispute involving a deceased Muslim woman, highlighting disparities between Hindu and Muslim inheritance laws.
Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar noted that the current system, with varying personal laws based on religion, creates inequality among Indian women despite their equal citizenship. The judge cited the disparity in inheritance rights between daughters under Hindu law (who enjoy equal rights with sons) and under Muslim law, where daughters receive a smaller share. The court highlighted that a UCC would align with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution and realize the ideals of the Preamble.
The case involved a dispute over a property registered in the name of a deceased Muslim woman, with her husband claiming sole ownership and her siblings contesting this claim. The court’s decision emphasized the need for a UCC to eliminate such discriminatory practices and ensure uniformity in inheritance rights. The court also noted that the UCC was a heavily debated topic during the drafting of the Indian Constitution, with B.R. Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, advocating for its adoption. The ruling underscores the court’s belief that a UCC is essential for achieving true equality and justice for all Indian women.
First Piper 