Maharashtra govt plans to table UCC Bill during state's winter session: CM Fadnavis

CM Fadnavis said a panel was working on the matter and that the govt will proceed with implementation after receiving its report. File Pic

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the state government plans to introduce legislation on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) during the winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly in Nagpur, reported the PTI.

CM Fadnavis said the government would move ahead with implementation once the committee examining the issue submits its report and recommendations.

The state government constituted a seven-member committee in July to examine the UCC and make recommendations. The panel is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai and has been given six months to submit its report.

The committee also includes former High Court judges R C Chavan and S G Mehare, former chief secretary D K Jain, former advocate general Virendra Saraf, constitutional expert Ramesh Patange and educationist Suvarna Rawal, according to the PTI.

Fadnavis said the panel is currently working on the matter and that the government will proceed with implementation after receiving its report.

Announcement comes after Shah's UCC push

According to the PTI, the chief minister's remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states would introduce the UCC before 2029.

The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a common set of personal laws governing areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, irrespective of religion.

Fadnavis hits out at Rahul Gandhi over BRICS dinner

Fadnavis also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his comments about the all-vegetarian dinner served at the BRICS Summit in Delhi, the news agency reported.

Calling the criticism a reflection of a "myopic mindset", Fadnavis said the BRICS summit was not organised around its dinner menu.

He argued that the focus should instead be on India's diplomatic achievements at the summit.

'New Delhi Declaration was unanimous'

Fadnavis highlighted the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, which was agreed upon by all participating countries, including China and Russia, reported the PTI.

He said the declaration's references to terrorism and Pakistan represented a significant diplomatic achievement for India.

The chief minister alleged that criticism of the food served at the summit was being used to divert attention from the country's diplomatic gains.

Congress questions vegetarian menu

The controversy began after an all-vegetarian spread was served at the BRICS gala dinner.

The Congress criticised the menu, alleging that the BJP was imposing its dietary preferences on visiting dignitaries.

Rahul Gandhi also commented on the issue on social media, pointing out that a large majority of Indians eat non-vegetarian food and praising Indian cuisine.

(with PTI inputs)