Chhattisgarh takes first step towards Uniform Civil Code

The Chhattisgarh government has officially notified a five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to seek public feedback and draft a comprehensive state-level Uniform Civil Code framework amid concerns flagged by the opposition

Raipur: 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 (UCC). The Cabinet has approved the constitution of a high-level committee chaired by Justice (retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai, that will be tasked with preparing a draft law, thereby fulfilling one of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s major electoral promises.

With this decision, Chhattisgarh joins a select group of states actively working on state-specific versions of the UCC.

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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.