The CPI(M) on Tuesday issued a statement supporting the demand of Muslim women against the practice of arbitrary and instant triple talaq. It however saw the push towards a common civil code as counterproductive, underlining that uniformity did not necessarily mean equality.
“This specific practice (arbitrary triple talaq) is not permitted in most Islamic countries,” the statement said, adding that acceptance of Muslim women's demand would bring relief to affected women.
It added that all personal laws required reform, including those of the majority community.
“In this context the claims being made by Government spokespersons that personal laws for Hindu women have already been reformed shows that their interest is not in securing women's equality but in targeting the minority communities, particularly the Muslim minority,” the statement added. “Even now laws concerning, adoption, property rights and even the right to choose your own partner discriminate against Hindu women.”
The statement added: “With the offensive of the communal forces on the very identity of minority communities, any move to push the agenda of Uniform Civil Code as is being done by the Government directly and through its institutions is counterproductive for the rights of women. Uniformity is not the guarantee for equality.”
