Tribals fear losing distinct identity if UCC implemented

With the Central government pushing for implementation of the (UCC), members of All India Tribal Development Council, an organization championing the cause of tribals rights, has submitted a memorandum to PresidentDroupadi Murmustating that UCC should not be imposed on the tribals.

The memorandum mentioned that according to the Article 244 (1) of the Indian Constitution, tribals have special rights. Their customs are distinct from the personal laws for Hindus and Muslims. On these grounds, the UCC should be imposed only on persons following the respective personal laws, and not the tribals, the council demanded.

Since the 22nd Law Commission has sought suggestions and objections for the UCC, the tribals from Maharashtra have apprehension that even the tribal customs will be merged into a single civil code like the personal laws of other religions like Hinduism and Islam, says the memorandum.