Maharashtra sets up 7-member panel to prepare UCC draft

In Maharashtra, retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai will head a seven-member expert panel to prepare a draft proposal for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday informed the state legislative assembly in Mumbai.The other committee members of the panel include former high court judges R C Chavan and S G Mehare, Maharashtra ex-chief secretary D K Jain, former advocate general Virendra Saraf, constitutional expert Ramesh Patange and educationist Suvarna Rawal, he told the legislative assembly. He said the committee headed by Justice Desai is expected to submit its report within six months. “We will make efforts to introduce the legislation in the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur,” he said.
The proposed code aims to replace diverse religious personal laws with a uniform legal system governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their faith. Maharashtra Government Starts Deliberations on Uniform Civil Code, Annoucment of Committee on UCC likely next week.
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the decision aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, reflecting the foundational vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He emphasized that a common framework is essential to uphold the constitutional values of equality and uniformity.While the ruling coalition has strongly backed the move, noting that a common civil code has long been a core ideological objective, opposition leaders have urged caution. Representatives from the Congress party noted that while the constitutional basis for UCC is valid, the government must ensure a broad, inclusive consensus by consulting legal experts, advocates, and diverse community leaders before the final bill is tabled.