Gujarat Muslim body calls UCC an attempt to impose Hindu customs on Muslims

The Gujarat Muslim Hit Rakshak Samiti has raised objections to the formation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) committee in the state, arguing that the government is attempting to impose the customs of the majority community on Muslims while disregarding their personal laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

The organisation, representing various Muslim groups, has announced large-scale protests in the coming days as part of its efforts to challenge what it views as an infringement on religious and cultural autonomy, The Indian Express reported.

During a media briefing in Ahmedabad, the samiti criticised the state government’s move to seek public objections and suggestions on the proposed UCC, contending that the initiative itself poses a fundamental threat to constitutional guarantees of religious and cultural rights.

It expressed concerns that the proposed law, despite claiming to ensure equality, continues to provide exemptions for Scheduled Tribes and Adivasis, thereby undermining its uniformity while disproportionately affecting Muslim personal laws.

The samiti further alleged that the committee tasked with reviewing the UCC is composed solely of individuals with affiliations to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It highlighted the selection of a Muslim representative with multiple police cases against him as an example of a biased approach, suggesting that he was chosen for his pro-government stance rather than for representing the broader interests of the community.

Reiterating its opposition to the committee’s constitution, the samiti questioned whether justice could be expected from a body dominated by individuals linked to the RSS, asserting that such an approach undermines the credibility of the consultation process.

It also commended the symbolic protest undertaken by Muslims across Gujarat, who wore black bands during Eid to express their discontent with the government’s actions.