West Bengal govt forms 9-member committee to review UCC Draft Bill

The West Bengal government formed a 9-member expert committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to review the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) draft bill. The state plans to table this legislation during the upcoming August assembly session, while exempting indigenous communities.The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a common set of civil laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste or community. If implemented, the law would provide uniform rules governing. The notification further stated that the state government has already prepared a draft bill aimed at creating a uniform legal framework governing personal civil matters for all residents of West Bengal, irrespective of religion, faith or community.

The UCC was one of the BJP's flagship promises during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign. While releasing the party's election manifesto, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had pledged that a BJP government in the state would introduce the Uniform Civil Code within six months of assuming office. The reported move to bring the bill next week is being seen as an attempt by the new government to fulfil one of its most prominent electoral commitments.
The West Bengal government earlier introduced the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 which was passed in the assembly in June. The legislation is aimed at strengthening measures to curb violence and anti-social behaviour in the state. Officials supporting the bill said it is intended to deter individuals involved in inciting violence and riots, and to ensure stricter legal action against offenders. They argued that the law would reinforce public order and increase the deterrence factor among potential lawbreakers.