Shatrughan Sinha wants a nationwide ban on non-veg food

Veteran actor and Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha has praised the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand but also pointed out the loopholes in enforcing such a law nationwide. Citing a ban on non-vegetarian food, the actor-politician said that while he backed such a move, it would be difficult to impose it in certain parts of the country.

"Beef has been banned in many parts of the country. I think that not only beef but non-vegetarian food in general should be banned in the country. However, in some places, it is still legal to consume beef, including Northeast. Waha khao toh yummy, par humare North India mein khao toh mummy (It is okay to eat it in the northeast, but not in North India)," he quipped while addressing reporters outside Parliament. "But this is not going to work, a ban should be enforced everywhere, not just in certain parts," Sinha added.

While saying that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand was commendable, Sinha cautioned against the fine print, adding that there were loopholes in the UCC, one of the BJP's core promises which provides for a single law for all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, among others.

"An all-party meeting must be held before drafting UCC provisions. Everyone should be consulted for their opinions and thoughts on the issue. The UCC should not be looked at as an election or vote bank strategy but should be handled with care and caution," he stressed.

On January 27, Uttarakhand became the first state after India's Independence to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The Uttarakhand civil code makes registration mandatory for all marriages as well as live-in relationships. Among its key provisions are equal property rights for sons and daughters, equal grounds for divorce and legitimacy for children born from live-in relationships.