November 29, 2001

        The question of implementing the directive principles laid down in the Constitution for evolving a uniform civil code necessarily involves changes in personal laws of the minorities. The policy of the Government is not to effect any changes in these laws unless the initiative therefor comes from those communities. However, reforms in the personal laws are undertaken based on these initiatives. The Government has recently taken a number of steps in this direction which include enactment and enforcement of the Indian Divorce (Amendment) Act, 2001 and introduction of the Bill for amending the Indian Succession Act, 1925.