Divisional Public Hearing on Draft Uniform Civil Code Held in Udaipur

Udaipur: A divisional-level public hearing on the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was held at the Mini Auditorium of the District Collectorate on Monday as part of the Rajasthan Government's initiative to encourage public participation in the law-making process.

The hearing was chaired by Basant Singh Chhabra, member of the UCC Drafting Committee and Additional Advocate General of the Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench. Manish Goyal, Joint Secretary to the Government and a member of the Drafting Committee representing the Home Department, also attended. Representatives from social organizations, political parties, bar associations, and public representatives from across the Udaipur Division participated and shared their suggestions on the proposed legislation.

Addressing the gathering, Chhabra said the Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens and emphasized the State Government's commitment to framing the UCC through an inclusive and consultative process. He noted that similar public hearings are being conducted across Rajasthan to gather views from different sections of society before finalizing the legislation. Citizens can also submit suggestions through the official UCC Rajasthan website.

Lok Sabha MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat stressed that the rights and welfare of women and children should be given top priority while drafting the law. He also suggested that tribal communities should remain outside the scope of the proposed UCC to safeguard their unique customs, traditions, and cultural heritage.

Bar Association President Jitendra Jain supported the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, saying a common legal framework would simplify judicial procedures and strengthen transparency and efficiency in the justice system.

Representatives from Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, and Salumber also joined the hearing via video conferencing to present their views.