Government and judiciary is speaking of equality of Women’s rights in disguise of triple talak ban and uniform civil code but the fact is this will only ruin the life of Muslim women. Considering the example of uniform civil code as followed in Goa, we need to ask question to ourselves how it has helped Goan women whether a Hindu, Christian, Muslim or Sikh. Registration of marriages which is compulsory under UCC is only a matter of preparing a document required to be presented as a proof of marriage for election card, ration card, children’s birth certificates and other registrations. In country like India where religions prevail more than the Law, hardly does anyone consider it to be a green signal for living as real husband and wife. The case also becomes critical when the marriage is cancelled after registration.
The legal proceedings in this regard turn out to be a headache for both the boy and the girl and specially the girl at large. The bond of marriage is considered valid only after the couple follows the religious rituals almost in every community. And now when the western trend is taking roots in India there are relationships which need no registration as well as religious rituals to follow, where again the uniform civil code cannot do anything. UCC bans polygamy which can be beneficial to the women in favorable circumstances like in case of divorcee or widow or aged ladies, but yes he can have multiple affairs with women, which the men are inclined to and use and leave the women since now he is relieved from their responsibility as husbands under uniform civil code.
Comparing the matter of verbal Talak with legal procedure for divorce, under UCC, one has to understand that no law can make a couple live happily together if there is tension in the relationship. Hence if the matter cannot be resolved through reconciliation it is better that they are separated. The divorce procedure in the courts often take 12-20 years after both the parties are completely degraded by accusations on each other.
Genuine problem arises in case where the woman is religious and is strict follower of her religion in such a case she will stick to the law laid down by her religion and consider that to be full and final. The uniform civil code will then become a hurdle to her for a better life. For example the case of triple talak which is under consideration for ban but considered valid under Muslim personal law will leave the woman isolated since now she cannot live with her husband as prescribed in her religion nor can she marry again since she is not divorced as per civil code law.
