Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the formation of a committee to draft the rules for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within the state. The committee will be led by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai and comprises seven members from diverse backgrounds. Included in the committee are three former judges from either the Supreme Court or High Court, one constitutional expert, one ex-bureaucrat, along with two individuals from the social sector. Fadnavis made this announcement during a session in the Maharashtra Assembly.

The core members of the committee aside from Justice Desai include former High Court Justices RC Chavan and SG Mehere, former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra DK Jain, former Advocate General Birendra Saraf, social activist Padmashri Ramesh Patange, and educationalist Suvarna Rawal. This representation aims to ensure a well-rounded approach to the significant legal framework that the UCC proposes to establish.

The committee has been tasked with a comprehensive study of various dimensions — legal, social, and administrative — surrounding the UCC. The outcomes of this study are expected to be presented to the state government in a report containing recommendations within a six-month timeframe.

Government’s Legislative Intentions

Chief Minister Fadnavis reiterated that once the committee submits its report, the government intends to proceed with finalising the draft of the Uniform Civil Code. The state administration plans to introduce the UCC bill for deliberation in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council during the forthcoming Nagpur winter session.

Alongside the bill’s introduction, Fadnavis indicated that the government is committed to adhering to all constitutional and legal protocols while implementing the UCC. The aim is to take decisive, systematic steps in bringing this significant legislative change to fruition within Maharashtra.

The initiation of the Uniform Civil Code discussions reflects a growing concern over personal laws and their uniform application across different communities in India. The committee is expected to play a crucial role in addressing these issues.

Context of UCC Discussions in India

The move towards establishing a Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra comes amid nationwide discussions concerning personal laws and legal uniformity. Recently, Uttarakhand made history as the first state since Independence to enact a UCC, with Maharashtra likely drawing insights from this development as it formulates its own legislative draft.

Additionally, the state of Assam passed its UCC Bill in May, aiming to create a singular civil legal framework that governs various aspects of personal life, including marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religious affiliation. This legislative trend suggests a significant shifting paradigm in how personal laws are perceived and implemented across Indian states.

Chief Minister Fadnavis has affirmed that the vision for a Uniform Civil Code aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy found in the Indian Constitution. He cited the foundational principles put forth by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, advocating that a unified civil framework would embody values of equality and consistency in matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

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