Maharashtra forms seven-member committee to draft Uniform Civil Code law

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Maharashtra has taken the first major step towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announcing the formation of a seven-member committee to draft a law for the state.

While making a statement in the state Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Fadnavis said the expert committee is expected to submit its report within six months. "Our government plans to introduce the Uniform Civil Code Bill during the Nagpur Winter Session later this year. We will make every effort to get it passed by both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council," he said.

Earlier, during the state budget session this year, the Maharashtra government had announced that it would set up a committee to study the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and prepare a draft law for the state. Accordingly, on July 9, Fadnavis announced the formation of the seven-member expert committee for the purpose.

Retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai will head the committee. The other six members are former Bombay High Court judge Justice R.C. Chavan, former Bombay High Court judge Justice S.G. Mehare, former Maharashtra Chief Secretary D.K. Jain, former Advocate General Birendra Saraf, constitutional expert Rajesh Patange, and social worker Dr Suvarna Rawal.

What is the Uniform Civil Code?

A Uniform Civil Code seeks to bring a common set of laws for all citizens in personal matters, irrespective of their religion. It aims to ensure equal rights and equal treatment for every citizen by replacing religion-based personal laws with a common legal framework.