Key highlights from PM Modi’s Red Fort speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said a “secular civil code” is the need of the hour as the existing set of laws is a “communal civil code” and discriminatory. In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said, “A large section of the country believes, which is true also, that the civil code is actually in a way a communal civil code. It discriminates (among people).” Prime Minister said laws that divide the country on communal lines and become a reason for inequality have no place in modern society.
“I would say, it is the need of the hour that India should have a secular civil code. We have lived 75 years with a communal civil code. Now, we have to move towards a secular civil code. Only then would religion-based discrimination end. It would also end the disconnect the common people feel,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minster noted that the Supreme Court has given various directions in this regard. The spirit of the Constitution also encourages such a code, he said, referring to Article 44 under the Directive Principles of State Policy. It states that it is the duty of the State to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India. “It is our responsibility to fulfill the dream of the makers of our Constitution. I believe there should be a serious discussion on the subject,” he said.
Uttarakhand came out with its own Uniform Civil Code recently. The State government had referred the issue of a common code to the Law Commission which last year began fresh public consultations on the issue.
Modi said there is a need to widely publicize punishments given for atrocities against women so that there is a fear of consequence. “Today from the Red Fort, I want to express my pain. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against our mothers, sisters, and daughters. There is anger among common people because of this. I can feel that rage,” he said.
The PM said the country must take such incidents seriously and the fear of reprisal must be struck among the perpetrators. “Crimes against women should be probed swiftly, and stringent punishment should be given to those who commit demonic acts, it is important to instill confidence in the society,” he said.
“Need of the hour is to widely publicize punishment for atrocities against women so that there is fear of consequences,” he said. “Those who commit such sins should know that they will be hanged. It is important to have that fear,” Modi added.
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