Recently, private member’s bills were introduced in the Parliament for a
large number of subjects including the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) among
others.
About Private Member's Bill
A bill introduced by a member other than a minister is termed private
member's bill.
Drafting of the bill is the sole responsibility of the concerned
Member of Parliament.
Usually introduced and discussed on Fridays and requires one
month’s prior notice.
Admissibility of the bill is decided by the Chairman in case of Rajya
Sabha and Speaker in case of Lok Sabha.
History of Private Member’s Bills in India:
As of now 14 private member’s bills have become an Act since
1950.
Important legislations among them include 26th amendment (abolition
of privy purses) and 61st amendment (voting age from 21 to 18).
Although, no private member’s bill has become an Act since 1970.
The last one was the Supreme Court (Enlargement of Criminal Appellate
Jurisdiction) Bill, 1968.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
The UCC refers to a single law applicable to all citizens of India
irrespective of their religion in their personal matters such as
marriage, divorce, custody, adoption and inheritance.
It is intended to replace the system of fragmented personal laws, which
currently govern interpersonal relationships and related matters within
different religious sections of society.
Article 44 of Directive Principles sets the duty of the state for
implementing the UCC.
