Maharashtra to set up committee to draft Uniform Civil Code law within two weeks

The committee is expected to be headed by a retired High Court judge. File Pic

The Maharashtra government is expected to constitute a committee within the next two weeks to draft legislation for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), officials said on Friday, reported the PTI.

The proposed committee will be responsible for preparing the framework of the law. However, details regarding its composition and terms of reference are yet to be finalised.

An official said, "The committee to draft the legislation for the Uniform Civil Code is in process and will be set up within two weeks," as per the PTI.

According to officials, the committee is expected to be headed by a retired High Court judge. The final structure of the panel will be announced after approvals are completed.

Earlier, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam had informed the state assembly that the UCC would be implemented in Maharashtra.

He had also said a committee would be formed to prepare the draft legislation, the news agency reported.

What is Uniform Civil Code

The Uniform Civil Code is a constitutional directive that aims to create a common set of personal laws for all citizens.

It seeks to replace different personal laws based on religion with a single legal framework governing areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.

Supporters argue that a UCC would ensure equality and uniformity in civil matters across communities. However, it is also a subject of political and social debate in the country.

Consultations with multiple stakeholders

Earlier in March, the state government had initiated consultations with multiple stakeholders on the issue of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Legislative Council was informed, following a demand from BJP MLC Parinay Fuke for a law similar to the one enacted in Uttarakhand, PTI had reported.

Responding to a Calling Attention Motion raised by Fuke, the government had said it requires more time to present a detailed response as the matter involves consultations across several departments, reported PTI.

Demand for common law across communities

Fuke had argued that the Constitution envisages efforts toward a common civil code and highlighted the existence of different personal laws governing marriage, divorce and adoption across communities, reported PTI.

He had urged the Maharashtra government to introduce a uniform framework to ensure equal legal standards for all citizens, reported PTI.

(with PTI inputs)