Gujarat HC dismisses plea on reconstitution of UCC panel
While Justice Niral Mehta pronounced the petition as 'dismissed', a detailed court order is awaited. The said committee was appointed by the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel-led state government on February 4 this year.
Sopariwala had made representations to the Chief Minister before moving the high court in April, seeking reconstitution of the committee on the ground that it does not include members from religious minorities — who were important stakeholders in the implementation of the UCC. As per Sopariwala, it was necessary to ensure a diverse opinion on the subject as the lack of such adequate representation would amount to violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
The UCC committee in Gujarat is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai and comprises retired IAS officer CL Meena, advocate R C Kodekar, former Veer Narmad South Gujarat University vice-chancellor Dakshesh Thakar and social activist Geetaben Shroff.
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