Kolkata, Aug 05: Kolkata's leading citizens feel that a uniform civil code could work as a single unifying factor in India, where many religions were professed, but at the same time asked the government to move cautiously. The Supreme Court's observation for enacting a common code to govern personal laws would help national integration, but any attempt to enforce it at one go could invite hostile reaction from hardliners, eminent litterateur Sunil Gangopadhyay told a news agency.

Gangopadhyay said the court's dismay over the inadequate action by the Centre in past in enforcing a common code demonstrated how some politicians had used the issue to suit their political interest without giving serious thought to the problem. A common civil code, he said, could help in dispelling misgivings among different communities, but the Centre should take all sides into confidence before approaching the problem.

Internationally renowned painter Paritosh Sen said the court's contention that there was no necessary connection between 'religious and personal law' in a civilised society was correct.

But there was a possibility that the clergy of some community could oppose any move to do away with personal laws. Therefore a great deal of effort was needed before any headway could be made, he said. Bureau Report