Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the state's decision to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
He spoke to reporters at his official residence in south Mumbai on Tuesday.
A UCC would be one common set of civil laws for all citizens.
The BJP-led Mahayuti government in the state has decided to draft such a code.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised the move.
He said it was unconstitutional and an attempt to impose a 'Hindu Civil Code' on non-Hindus.
Key points
- Fadnavis says states have a constitutional responsibility to work towards a UCC.
- A court has stayed the implementation of the proposed law.
- Only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar can decide on any NCP merger, he said.
- He said all those involved in the firing targeting Tiger Shroff have been arrested.
Why does Fadnavis say the UCC is a state duty?
Fadnavis said the Constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy talk about the UCC.
He said this makes it the responsibility of every state.
He added that the court has stayed the law, but the duty remains with the states.
He told Owaisi to read the Constitution again.
What did Fadnavis say about the NCP merger?
Sharad Pawar heads the NCP (SP) faction. Sunetra Pawar leads the rival NCP group.
Fadnavis said only these two leaders can say whether the parties will reunite.
The talk gained strength last week, after several NCP leaders met Sharad Pawar.
Fadnavis said neither faction has told the BJP anything yet.
What about the firing cases and the Disha Salian death?
Fadnavis played down firing incidents that were allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
He said they were attempts to create fear among people.
On the Disha Salian death case, he said the Mumbai Police had found no foul play.
The CBI is now probing the matter under the court's directions, and the investigation is continuing.
Explainer
What happened before
- The BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra decided to draft a Uniform Civil Code in the state.
- A court has now stayed the implementation of the proposed law.
- In the Disha Salian death case, the Mumbai Police found no foul play, but the court later found certain deficiencies in its report. The CBI is now probing the matter.
Why it matters
The debate is about whether states should act on a common civil code, and critics say it is unconstitutional. The Chief Minister's reply shows how the state government views its duty.
What to watch next
- The proposed law cannot be implemented while the court's stay remains in place.
- The CBI will continue its probe in the Disha Salian case under the court's directions.
