The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step towards introducing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by establishing a high-level committee that will prepare the legal framework for its implementation in the state. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The newly constituted committee has been asked to examine the legal, constitutional and administrative aspects of implementing the proposed law. It has been given a deadline of six months to submit its recommendations, following which the state government intends to prepare legislation for consideration during the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur.
Justice Ranjana Desai to Head Seven-Member Panel
The committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai and includes experts from the judiciary, administration, law and academia.
The members are:
- Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Desai – Chairperson
- Former High Court judge RC Chavan
- Former High Court judge SG Mehare
- Former Maharashtra Chief Secretary DK Jain
- Former Advocate General Virendra Saraf
- Constitutional expert Ramesh Patange
- Educationist Suvarna Rawal
The panel has been entrusted with preparing a detailed framework that could serve as the basis for drafting Maharashtra’s proposed Uniform Civil Code.
Government Plans Winter Session Legislation
Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government aims to move ahead with legislation after receiving the committee’s report.”Accordingly, a seven-member committee has been constituted under the chairpersonship of Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Desai to prepare a framework for implementing a Uniform Civil Code.”
He further said:”We will make efforts to introduce the legislation in the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur.”
The government believes the committee’s recommendations will help shape legislation that is suitable for Maharashtra’s legal and administrative framework.
Constitutional Basis Behind the Move
The state government has linked its decision to the Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution, which encourage the State to work towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens.
While the Directive Principles are not enforceable by courts, they serve as guiding principles for governance and policy-making.
National Discussion on Uniform Civil Code Continues
Maharashtra’s decision comes amid growing discussions on implementing the Uniform Civil Code across India.
Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to bring the Uniform Civil Code into force, and its implementation is expected to be studied by Maharashtra while preparing its own framework.
Other states, including Gujarat and Assam, have also voiced support for similar reforms, while debates over the issue continue in several parts of the country.
What Does the Uniform Civil Code Mean?
The Uniform Civil Code proposes a common set of civil laws applicable to all citizens regardless of religion. It covers subjects such as:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Adoption
- Inheritance
- Succession
Currently, these matters are governed by different personal laws followed by various religious communities. A Uniform Civil Code seeks to create a single legal framework governing these civil matters.
What Happens Next?
The committee will now begin consultations with stakeholders and study legal and administrative issues before preparing its report.
Who is heading Maharashtra’s Uniform Civil Code committee?
The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai.
How many members are on the committee?
The panel consists of seven members, including legal experts, former judges, senior administrators and an educationist.
When will the committee submit its report?
The Maharashtra government has given the committee six months to submit its recommendations.
When could the UCC Bill be introduced?
The state government has said it will try to introduce the proposed legislation during the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur, after examining the committee’s report.
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
The Uniform Civil Code proposes one common set of civil laws covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and succession for all citizens irrespective of religion.
