Supreme Court: UCC May be Appropriate to Address Gender Bias in Muslim Inheritance Law

The Supreme Court observed that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is the appropriate answer to address inheritance provisions in Muslim personal law that are allegedly discriminatory against women.

A bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi & Justice R. Mahadevan raised concerns that striking down the Shariat Act might create a legal vacuum.

While Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that inheritance is a civil right not protected as an essential religious practice, the Court emphasized deferring to legislative wisdom regarding Directive Principles.

The bench suggested the petitioners amend the plea to include specific remedies before adjourning the matter for further consideration.

[Poulomi Pavini Shukla v. UOI]