UCC is not Uniform Civil Code but Government's Control Code: Abu Asmi

Abu Asim Azmi, MLA and Maharashtra state president of the Samajwadi Party, has strongly criticised the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). During a press conference held in Mumbai, he described the law as the government's "control code". According to a report by India Today, Azmi has accused the central government of interfering with the rights of citizens through this process.

Abu Asim Azmi raised questions regarding the process of seeking public feedback on the proposed law. He has demanded that the November 15 deadline for submitting objections and suggestions be extended. Azmi argued that the time provided to citizens to present their views is insufficient.

He also objected to the questions included in the process, alleging that the drafting of these questions is flawed. Azmi further questioned why citizens are being asked to disclose their caste and religion while providing suggestions on the proposed law. He claimed there are irregularities and improper methods in the entire process. Along with this, he mentioned that committee member Ashish Chauhan has resigned from the committee.

Accusing the government of maintaining a double standard on the issue of civil rights, the SP leader said that the government's actions are primarily focused on religion-related matters. He stated, "In the context of civil rights, the government is acting only on religion-related issues."

This controversy has emerged at a time when the Maharashtra government has constituted a seven-member committee to examine the implementation of UCC in the state. This panel has invited public suggestions and objections until November 15. It is expected that the government will consider the recommendations of this committee before introducing the law in the winter session. It is noteworthy that UCC is implemented in BJP-ruled states such as Uttarakhand, Goa, Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh.

Abu Asim Azmi has been embroiled in several controversies in the past. In March 2025, during the Maharashtra Assembly session, he came into the spotlight for statements made in defence of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He described Aurangzeb as a skilled administrator and stated that he does not consider him a cruel ruler. This statement led to protests by political groups and uproar in the Assembly. Following this incident, an FIR was registered against him for hurting religious sentiments, and he was suspended from the Assembly until March 26, 2025. However, on March 4, while withdrawing his statements, he said that his remarks were based on historical accounts but had been distorted, and he had no intention of insulting anyone.

Additionally, he was criticised for statements made following the Delhi Nirbhaya gang-rape case in January 2013. He had said that women should not wear revealing clothes or go out at night with men who are not their relatives. He held Western culture and women's attire responsible for the increasing rape cases. At that time, he refused to apologise and stated that his remarks were motivated by concern for the safety of women.