24 June,2026 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic
The debate over the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) gained momentum in Maharashtra, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray calling for a discussion on the proposal based on its merits, while Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde reiterated his support for a common civil law across the country.
The issue has surfaced amid discussions in the Maharashtra Assembly, where legislators have been debating the legal, social and administrative implications of introducing a Uniform Civil Code in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Aaditya Thackeray said the proposed Uniform Civil Code should be evaluated on its merits rather than through a political lens. He also argued that the principle of uniformity should extend beyond personal laws and apply to governance and public administration.
"The Uniform Civil Code should first discuss it based on its merits. Secondly and most importantly, there must be uniformity across all laws; for instance, if agencies like the ED or CBI are going behind someone, we should examine how many individuals from the ruling party are targeted versus those from the opposition--there needs to be uniformity there as well," he said.
Thackeray further questioned whether uniform standards were being applied in political appointments and allocation of development funds.
"Right now, if you take a corrupt individual and appoint them as CM or Deputy CM, there should be uniformity too. Thirdly, there should be uniformity when it comes to development funds as well," Thackeray added.
Responding to the ongoing debate, Eknath Shinde reaffirmed his party's support for the Uniform Civil Code and linked the demand to the ideological position of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
"Balasaheb Thackeray's stance from the very beginning has been that there should be one law for the entire country...Our stance regarding the Uniform Civil Code is positive," he said.
Shinde's remarks underscored the ruling alliance's support for examining the feasibility of implementing the UCC in Maharashtra.
The discussion comes after BJP MLA Devyani Pharande moved a notice under Rule 105 in the Maharashtra Assembly, raising concerns related to women's safety and the implementation of the Triple Talaq law. The notice also brought the issue of the Uniform Civil Code into focus.
During the debate, members discussed whether a common civil framework could help ensure greater legal consistency across matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and family law.
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam announced that the state government would constitute a one-member committee headed by a retired High Court judge to study the possible implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra.
The committee is expected to examine legal, constitutional and administrative aspects of the proposal before submitting its recommendations to the government. Further decisions will be taken after the report is reviewed.
The discussion in Maharashtra comes as several states have taken steps towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code. Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a UCC Bill in February 2024. Gujarat followed in March 2026, while Assam passed its own legislation in May this year.
These laws seek to establish a common civil framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that a Uniform Civil Code Bill will be introduced during the state Assembly's monsoon session next month, signalling that the debate over a common civil law is likely to continue across several states in the coming months.
