Abstract

The paper examines the public justifications regarding the contentious pledge of the Uniform Civil Code versus Personal Laws in India, from its historical evolution to the deliberative processes followed in the transition from pledge to policy. Using a Habermasian framework of deliberative democracy, the study empirically maps the public reasons provided by various stakeholders, including political parties, religious organizations, and civil society groups, spanning the period from 1947 to 2023. The findings reveal diverse arguments for and against the UCC, mostly anchored in shared constitutional values. While proponents emphasize national integration and gender equality, opponents advocate for cultural diversity and religious freedom. The contentious nature of the pledge highlights the broader ideological conflicts and the necessity for consensus-building through public deliberation to achieve democratic legitimacy.