In a significant legal and policy initiative, the Maharashtra government has begun the process of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by constituting a seven-member expert committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, stating that the panel has been entrusted with preparing a draft framework for the proposed law. The committee has been given six months to submit its report, following which the government aims to introduce a Uniform Civil Code Bill during the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur.
The move marks a major step in Maharashtra's efforts to create a common legal framework governing civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and succession. According to the Chief Minister, the committee's recommendations will serve as the foundation for drafting legislation suited to the state's legal and administrative requirements.
The committee will be chaired by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Desai and includes former High Court judges RC Chavan and SG Mehare, former Maharashtra Chief Secretary DK Jain, former Advocate General Virendra Saraf, constitutional expert Ramesh Patange and educationist Suvarna Rawal.
Announcing the panel, Fadnavis said the committee would prepare a comprehensive roadmap for implementing the Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra. He reiterated the government's intention to introduce the proposed legislation during the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur after reviewing the committee's recommendations.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the Chief Minister referred to the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution, which encourage the State to strive towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens.
He said the expert panel would examine the legal, constitutional and administrative aspects of the proposal before submitting a detailed framework. The government believes the committee's findings will help formulate legislation that aligns with constitutional principles while addressing the state's specific requirements.
Maharashtra's decision comes amid renewed discussions on the Uniform Civil Code across the country. Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to implement a Uniform Civil Code, making it an important reference point for other states considering similar reforms.
The Maharashtra government is expected to study Uttarakhand's experience while preparing its own draft legislation. Several other states, including Gujarat and Assam, have also expressed support for reforms in personal laws, while discussions on introducing similar legislation have taken place in states such as Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
The Uniform Civil Code is envisaged under the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution. It seeks to establish a common set of civil laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and succession for all citizens, irrespective of religion.
At present, these matters are governed by different personal laws applicable to various religious communities. Proponents argue that a Uniform Civil Code would ensure greater legal uniformity and equality in civil matters, while the issue continues to generate political, legal and social debate across the country.
With the committee now formally constituted, the next phase will involve consultations with stakeholders and the preparation of a detailed draft framework. After receiving the committee's report, the Maharashtra government will examine its recommendations before finalising the proposed legislation.
If the process proceeds as planned, the state is expected to place the Uniform Civil Code Bill before the Maharashtra Legislature during its winter session in Nagpur, potentially making Maharashtra one of the next states to move towards implementing a common civil law framework.
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