Madhya Pradesh CM Advocates Uniform Civil Code, Links Single Marriage to Residency Right
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has reiterated his support for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, proposing that only individuals who enter into a single marriage should have the legal right to reside in Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking at a public event on Friday, Yadav stated, “Why should there be separate laws for Hindus and Muslims? There should be one law for everyone. If Ram will marry once, why should Rahim marry twice or four times? Muslim sisters are also our sisters.”
The Chief Minister suggested that the proposed UCC would legally recognise only one marriage and would bar individuals from multiple marriages from being entitled to residency rights in the state. “Under the proposed Uniform Civil Code, only a person who has one marriage will have the legal right to reside in Madhya Pradesh… There should be one system for everyone. Why should there be different laws?” he asked.
The Uniform Civil Code, which aims to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures with a common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, has been a subject of political debate in India. Proponents argue it promotes gender equality and national integration, while critics contend it could infringe upon religious freedoms and cultural diversity.
Yadav's remarks come amid growing calls from some BJP-led state governments to adopt the UCC. Uttarakhand recently became the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code after independence. The Madhya Pradesh government has yet to introduce a formal proposal or bill on the matter.
