Maharashtra moves ahead with UCC, to appoint panel led by retired HC judge

Yogesh Kadam minister of state for home. PIC/X/@iYogeshRKadam

Maharashtra has taken a step towards implementing a uniform civil code (UCC), with the state government deciding to appoint a committee guided by a retired Bombay High Court judge to prepare a draft of the proposed law. The move is aimed at creating a common set of civil laws governing matters such as divorce across communities in the state.

Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said that, following directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government had decided to appoint a committee to prepare a draft of the UCC. A retired High Court judge will oversee the drafting process. "The government intends to implement the UCC effectively and in its true spirit. Once the draft is prepared and submitted to the government, the process for its implementation will be taken forward," he said.

Triple talaq

BJP MLA Devyani Pharande, who raised the triple-talaq issue. PIC/X/@PharandeDevyani

BJP MLA Devyani Pharande, during the calling attention motion, brought to the notice of the government that Muslim community women were given a divorce over the phone or text message. The BJP MLA claimed that this was against the rule that had been introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Cracks in alliance?

NCP MLA Sana Malik. PIC/X/@sanamalikshaikh

When the BJP MLA raised the triple-talaq issue, NCP (Ajit Pawar) faction MLA Sana Malik asked rhetorically if such atrocities were faced only by women from the Muslim community or those from other religions too. This led to heated arguments between BJP and NCP, who are members of the Mahayuti alliance. The Opposition came out in support of Malik.

Common framework

Replying to the debate, Kadam said the government was not targeting any particular religion or community through the proposed uniform civil code. He said the law, once implemented, would apply equally to people of all faiths. "The government is not against any religion or community. Once the uniform civil code comes into force, it will bring people of all religions under a common legal framework and will apply to everyone equally," Kadam said.

Illegal divorce cases in state

According to the government, 42 cases of triple talaq were registered in Maharashtra in 2024, leading to action against 152 persons. In 2025, 39 cases were reported, with action initiated against 137 persons and 95 arrests made.