Union Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has asserted that Uniform Civil Code is necessary for national integration, but any decision to bring it can be taken only after wider consultations.
Gowda added that he would consult Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Cabinet colleagues and top law officers before government files its affidavit in the Supreme Court.
The Law Minister said the high courts of Kerala and Karnataka have already pointed out the need for a common code in the country.
Earlier, the apex court had asked the Centre to take a quick decision on a uniform civil code to end confusion over personal laws.
Meanwhile, the Congress has reacted cautiously to the apex Court's observation. Senior party leader Digvijay Singh said that although the code is the part of Indian Constitution, it is a highly sensitive issue which concerns different religions.