Muslim Groups Challenge AIMPLB's UCC Campaign, Push for Gender-Just Personal Law Reforms

Mumbai: A debate has emerged within the Muslim community over the proposed Uniform Civil Code, with multiple organisations and prominent figures opposing the All India Muslim Personal Law Board's nationwide campaign. Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, and Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal, along with personalities including Naseeruddin Shah, Teesta Setalvad, and others, have signed a statement criticising the AIMPLB campaign as ill-conceived.

The signatories expressed concern that the campaign could enable BJP and Hindu right-wing groups to argue that Indian Muslims reject the law of the land. Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal's Shamsuddin Tamboli contended that what is presented as "God-given Shariat Law" comprises personal laws shaped by colonial legislation and patriarchal interpretations. The four organisations plan to hold meetings in multiple cities to counter the AIMPLB campaign.

The joint statement, initiated by members of IMSD and BMMA, accused the AIMPLB of selectively invoking Articles 25-30 on religious freedom while overlooking constitutional provisions on equality and non-discrimination under Articles 14 and 15.