Aligarh March 7: Mr. H.R. Bhardwaj, Union Minister of Law and Justice stated that India is a fellowship of faiths in which full freedom of religion has been guaranteed by the Constitution. Matters concerning or relating to religion are very sensitive and the state cannot interfere in these matters.
He was delivering Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on 'Personal Laws and Uniform Civil Code: Constitutionality, Reality and Legitimacy' at the Aligarh Muslim University here today. The lecture was organized by Dr. Ambedkar Chair of Legal Studies and Research, Department of Law of the University.
Union Minister of Law and Justice, Mr. Bhardwaj said that the Indian Society enjoys a unique reputation for peaceful co-existence. It has allowed good principals of all religions and faiths. They have been assimilated in our cultural and national ethos and we have a common heritage. Indian Unity in diversity has surprised many, but this unity has been achieved by compassion and tolerance.
Mr. Bhardwaj mentioned that uniformity in personal laws is rare and difficult in countries which have allowed freedom of religions, faith and conscience. In pluralistic societies such changes have been brought about by the concerned sections of the society after a consensus is achieved within that section. It cannot be brought about by pressure of other groups of the society. This is bound to be counter productive and said that the Courts of our country must realize these difficulties and also that limitation of social reform is a policy matter which the Courts do not go into.
Referring the Constitutional Assembly Debates, Bhardwaj said that one of the most important observation made during the debate is that how it would be possible to make a law against the sentiments of minority communities in the face of multiple religious and cultural ethic groups which are citizens of India.
Paying tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim University, Bhardwaj said that Sir Syed was one of the most dynamic and splendid personality of the nineteenth century. He stood firmly against conservation, inertia and obscurantism. His aim in founding the MAO College which later on emerged as the Aligarh Muslim University, was to establish a forum for scientific attitude and to hold Indians, particularly the Muslims, to come out of their out dated grooves and march to the new age of science and enquiry with confidence.
In his presidential remarks, AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor P.K. Abdul Azis said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the most dynamic personality and he was the Chairperson of secularism and social justice. He said that the concept of Islam is based on equality and Mughal rulers of this country promoted the equality to every citizen without caste, creed and religion.
Earlier in his welcome address, Professor M. Shabbir, Programme Director of Dr Ambedkar Memorial lecture said that today's commemorative lecture is organized to remember the noble deeds and contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who was world known social reformer, law maker, fighter for the oppressed and subjugated segments of the Indian society and champion for human rights.
He said that law teaching at this institution was introduced in 1891, and the founder of AMU was impressed by legal education as prevalent in British Universities, especially on the model of Oxford and Cambridge.
Prof. M. Shabbir said that Professor Lawrence and his associates of George Washington Law School being impressed by law teaching and research in the area of Islamic Commercial Law, Islamic Banking System, Islamic Criminal Law and Torts, etc., have signed MoU for exchange programme of teachers and students.
Justice S. Saghir Ahmad, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India also addressed the function as a Guest of Honour. Prof. I.A. Khan, Dean, Faculty of Law presented a brief profile of the Dr. Ambedkar Chair of Legal Studies and Research. University Registrar, Professor V.K. Abdul Jaleel proposed the Vote of Thanks.
On this occasion, a book on "Human Rights in 21st century edited by Professor M. Shabbir, released by the Minister of Law". Ambedkar Journal 'Quest for Truth' was released by the AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor P.K. Abdul Azis.
(Dr. Rahat Abrar)
Public Relations' Officer
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