Tribal People Seek Protection from Common Code

Tribal communities in Chhattisgarh have urged the state government to exclude them from the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying their traditional customs already govern marriage, inheritance, property and family matters. During a consultation in Raipur, representatives from Gond, Kanwar, Baiga and Oraon communities warned that imposing one common law could weaken their centuries-old customary practices. Tribal Christians also joined the appeal, stressing that their Christian faith exists alongside their indigenous identity and traditional community systems. Sociologist Virginius Xaxa said applying the same rules to every community may not always ensure true equality, especially for historically disadvantaged tribal groups. The Chhattisgarh government says the proposed UCC is intended to simplify the legal system while assuring tribal communities that their rights and traditions will be protected.