Chhattisgarh takes first step towards Uniform Civil Code
Raipur, June 26
In a significant move that could reshape the state's legal and social landscape, the Chhattisgarh government has formally initiated the process of implementing a Uniform Civil Code. The Cabinet has approved the constitution of a high-level committee chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, that will be tasked with preparing a draft law, thereby fulfilling one of the Bharatiya Janata Party government's major electoral promises.
With this decision, Chhattisgarh joins a select group of states actively working on state-specific versions of the UCC.
The neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh has already initiated the process and a Bill is likely in the forthcoming Monsoon Session of the Assembly.
The five-member committee in Chhattisgarh will be chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, a former Supreme Court judge known for her leadership of key constitutional and legal panels.
Alongside her, the committee comprises retired bureaucrats, seasoned legal experts, and senior advocates.
Their mandate is to examine the current legal framework, assess the feasibility of a Uniform Civil Code in Chhattisgarh, and submit comprehensive recommendations to the government.
The formation of this committee marks only the beginning of a complex and sensitive process. Over the coming months, the panel is expected to undertake a detailed study of personal laws governing marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, succession, adoption, and guardianship across different communities.
It will also review landmark judgments of the Supreme Court and High Courts, consult with legal scholars, engage with social organisations, and hold discussions with representatives of various religious communities to ensure that diverse perspectives are taken into account.
The government's move is being seen as both a legal and political milestone.
While the UCC has long been debated at the national level, its implementation at the state level will still take time.
By setting up this committee, Chhattisgarh government indicated its intent to harmonise personal laws with constitutional principles of equality and justice, while also navigating the sensitivities of cultural and religious diversity.
The draft legislation, once prepared, will likely spark wide-ranging discussions and debates, shaping the contours of how personal laws are interpreted and applied in the state.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the intention, but I worry about the practical implementation. India's strength is its diversity. A UCC that doesn't adequately consider tribal customs in Chhattisgarh could create more problems than it solves. The committee must engage deeply with local communities, especially Adivasi groups who have their own traditional governance systems.
Finally, some concrete action! The BJP promised this long back. It's about time we moved towards a modern, secular legal framework. The current system of multiple personal laws is confusing and often leads to legal battles. Let the committee do its work and submit a balanced report. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Interesting development. Coming from the US, where we have uniform civil laws, I can see both sides. It simplifies legal processes but can also be culturally insensitive if not done carefully. The fact that Justice Desai, a woman and former Supreme Court judge, is heading this gives me some confidence. She's known for her nuanced judgments.
As someone from a minority community, I'm cautiously optimistic but also concerned. The government should first build consensus rather than rushing. Personal laws are tied to religious identity for many. The committee needs to ensure that any UCC doesn't become a tool to marginalise minorities. I hope they genuinely consult all stakeholders.
Good initiative but the devil will be in the details. For example, how will they handle Muslim personal law on marriage and inheritance? Will it be truly uniform or just a Hindu code by another name? The government should release the committee's terms of reference publicly for transparency. We've seen too many reports gather dust in the past.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.