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Madhya Pradesh Forms Panel to Study Uniform Civil Code Feasibility

The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a high-level committee to examine the feasibility of implementing a Uniform Civil Code. The panel, chaired by Justice Ranjana Desai, will study personal laws on marriage, inheritance, and adoption to ensure equality. It will seek public suggestions and examine models from Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The committee has been directed to submit a report and draft bill within 60 days.

Key Points: MP Sets Up Panel to Examine Uniform Civil Code

  • Madhya Pradesh forms a high-level committee to study Uniform Civil Code feasibility
  • Panel chaired by Justice Ranjana Desai includes retired IAS officer and legal experts
  • Committee to examine models from Uttarakhand and Gujarat, seek public suggestions
  • Panel to submit draft bill within 60 days, focusing on women and children's rights
2 min read

Madhya Pradesh forms high-level panel to examine Uniform Civil Code feasibility

Madhya Pradesh forms a high-level panel led by Justice Ranjana Desai to study Uniform Civil Code feasibility, aiming to harmonize personal laws.

"The decision aims to harmonise the diverse personal and family laws currently followed by different communities in the state. - Department of Law and Legislative Affairs"

Bhopal, April 28

In a move that could mark a significant development in the state's legal and social framework, the Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a high-level committee to examine the feasibility of implementing a Uniform Civil Code.

The decision, announced by the Department of Law and Legislative Affairs, aims to harmonise the diverse personal and family laws currently followed by different communities in the state. An order in this regard was issued on Monday.

At present, separate provisions govern matters such as marriage, inheritance, adoption and maintenance across communities. The newly formed committee will study these variations and work towards creating a framework aimed at ensuring equality and fairness for all citizens.

The committee will be chaired by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prasad Desai, former judge of the Supreme Court. Other members include retired IAS officer Shatrughna Singh, legal expert Anoop Nair, educationist Gopal Sharma and social worker Budhpal Singh.

Ajay Katesariya, Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as the Secretary of the committee.

Among its responsibilities, the panel will examine models adopted by states such as Uttarakhand and Gujarat, while taking into account the social, cultural and economic realities of Madhya Pradesh. It will also seek suggestions and objections from the public, religious and social organisations, as well as subject experts.

Special emphasis will be placed on safeguarding the rights of women and children, and on addressing contemporary issues such as the regulation of live-in relationships.

The committee has been directed to submit its report, along with a draft bill, within 60 days. The government said the initiative is aimed at reducing future legal complexities and moving towards a more coherent civil framework.

The order, digitally signed by Secretary Mukesh Kumar, formally sets the process in motion. Observers view the step as a move towards legal uniformity and administrative reform in the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rekha R
I'm a Hindu woman and I support this if it truly safeguards women's rights. But I'm worried—will it respect our diverse customs? The mention of 'live-in relationships' is concerning; we need to ensure it doesn't impose one-size-fits-all morality. Let the public consultation be genuine, not just a formality.
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Michael C
Interesting to see another state follow Uttarakhand's lead. But 60 days seems awfully tight for such a complex issue—personal laws are deeply tied to culture and religion. I hope they don't rush this just for political mileage. Madhya Pradesh has a diverse population; proper debate is essential.
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Priyanka N
As a Muslim woman, I welcome the idea of equality but fear this could erode our religious identity. The committee must include diverse voices from all communities, not just a few handpicked members. Why no minority representative on the panel? That's a red flag. 🚩
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Suresh O
Good initiative but I have my doubts. Every time UCC is brought up, it becomes a political tool. Let the committee do its job without pressure. And please, no hasty implementation—let the public have their say through proper hearings. Ek saath sabko ek kanoon? Haan, lekin soche samjhe. 🤔

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