UCC legitimises moral policing

Refer to the editorial ‘Uniform Civil Code’; the passage of the UCC Bill in Uttarakhand is welcome as it would help ensure gender justice in matters of marriage, divorce and inheritance across all communities. It is, however, unfortunate that tribals have been left outside the purview of the proposed law. But is the code really uniform? The UCC retains the ‘custom’ exception from the Hindu Marriage Act for married parties within the “degrees of prohibited relationships”. This exception applies to communities with a custom allowing marriage within the degrees of such relationships. Further, the government must not regulate live-in relationships, as it seems like a veiled attempt at moral policing.

Satwant Kaur Panesar, by mail

Proposed law a mere political tool

Apropos of ‘Uniform Civil Code’; it is not surprising that the Uttarakhand Assembly has passed the UCC Bill, which may serve as a template for other BJP-run states to enact similar legislation ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The move is just meant to tick an important item on the BJP’s manifesto that supports its ideological agenda of a common law on marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. However, the imposition of such a law on the citizens would impinge on their religious freedom. Many people across different faiths will never accept any compromise with their religious practices or beliefs.

Mohammad Taukir, Bettiah (Bihar)

Raise retirement age for teachers

With reference to the editorial ‘Govt school crisis’; it is unfortunate that the number of out-of-school children in the 7-14 age group in Haryana has risen to 31,068 in the present academic session from 28,139 in the previous one. The shocking figures are a sad reflection on the state’s school education system, which is reeling from staff shortage. However, it is important to note that the issue is not limited to Haryana. The paucity of funds cannot be blamed for the issue. The authorities at the helm of the education system must consider raising the retirement age of teachers to deal with the shortage of faculty.

Balvinder, by mail

BJP behind North-South divide

This refers to the report ‘PM Modi rips through Congress over North-South rant to divide country’; a divide has existed between North and South since Independence. There was a time when all South Indians, whether they hailed from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala or Andhra Pradesh, were labelled Madrasis. Southern leaders like K Kamaraj, GK Moopanar and K Karunakaran deserve credit for bridging differences. However, the rift has been widening again since the saffron party came to power at the Centre in 2014. It is the ruling dispensation, and not the Opposition, that should be blamed for the growing North-South divide.

S Padmanabhan, Kochi

Kejriwal in the dock

With reference to the front-page report ‘Court calls Kejriwal for ignoring ED directions’; the electoral mandate does not give any lawmaker the right to term a summons by a Central investigation agency ‘motivated’ or ‘illegal’; it is an exclusive prerogative of the judiciary. Those in power must not try to escape the rigours of the law. The Delhi court will, in due course, decide on the ED complaint. But the onus is on the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the rampant violation of the IPC’s Section 174 (non-attendance in obedience to an order from a public servant) by lawmakers and issue a pan-India order.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Joy of forgetfulness

Apropos of the middle ‘The ever-present absent-mindedness’; it is forgetfulness that makes life so much easier to bear at times. It helps us forget and move on from the pain we have been through. It is this trait that lets us start life afresh. For those among us who are over 60 years old, it is this habit of forgetfulness that keeps them occupied, from searching for one’s spectacles to struggling to recall the names of old friends and family members. There is beauty in forgetfulness.

TVA Ram, Gurugram

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