In an interview with Rajat Sharma on ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan exhorted Muslim leaders to stop polarisation in the name of UCC.

He said, “If the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) is being introduced to create divisions among people, Muslim leaders should support it to prevent polarization.”

As per a press release from India TV, Khan issued a challenge to Muslim leaders, urging them to back the implementation of a UCC if they believe it is being proposed to polarize voters.

During an episode of the show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, aired on India TV on July 15, Sharma questioned Khan whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intends to create divisions between Hindu and Muslim voters by proposing the UCC.

In response, the Kerala governor stated, “If that is the motive behind it, the most effective way to counter polarization is for Muslim leaders to come forward and demand the implementation of the UCC. This would naturally put an end to polarization.

“Conversely, by not supporting it, they inadvertently contribute to polarization. It is important to question who is promoting division. Let them support the UCC and ensure that their customs and practices are not prohibited. Nobody will prevent them.

“For instance, in the Muslim community, the husband pays ‘mehar’ (dowry) to his wife for consummation. Will the UCC prohibit this practice? On the contrary, it would encourage increased financial support.”

Khan further elaborated, “How did the provision for divorce come into the Hindu Code Bill? Divorce was not a part of Hindu society’s practices. If a code were to be drafted today, including divorce, provisions would not align with Hindu scriptures.

“Moreover, equal property rights were not granted to daughters within the Hindu community. Did Hindu society not embrace equal property rights? In India, religion does not supersede everything. We must adhere to the practices of modern times.””