Maharashtra UCC: CM Fadnavis forms 7-member panel, draft law expected in winter session

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has constituted a seven-member committee to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The panel, comprising legal experts and senior bureaucrats, is expected to submit its report by the end of this year, paving the way for a draft law likely to be introduced in the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

The move comes amid a nationwide push for a UCC, which seeks to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures and customs with a common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens. While the central government has expressed support for the UCC, implementation falls under state jurisdiction in India's federal structure.

Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the committee will examine existing personal laws and consult with stakeholders, including religious leaders, legal scholars, and civil society organisations. "The goal is to ensure equality and justice for all citizens, especially women, who often face discrimination under current personal laws," he said.

The committee is chaired by retired Bombay High Court judge Justice (Retd.) V.M. Kanade and includes former chief secretary Subodh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Rajesh Kumar, and law secretary Dr. V.S. Deshmukh, along with three legal experts. The terms of reference include studying UCC models in other states and countries, and recommending a framework that upholds constitutional values.

Opposition parties have reacted cautiously, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on minority communities. The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) said it would wait for the draft before taking a final stance, while the Indian National Congress demanded a wider consultative process. The Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the move was a political gimmick ahead of the 2024 elections.

The winter session of the Maharashtra legislature is scheduled to begin in December. If the draft is tabled, it will be referred to a select committee for further scrutiny before a final vote. The UCC has been a contentious issue in Indian politics, with proponents arguing for a secular legal framework and opponents citing religious freedom and federal autonomy.