The Maharashtra government has begun the process of drafting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state, signalling a major step in its efforts to establish a common legal framework governing personal laws.
As part of the exercise, the government will first set up an expert committee to examine existing legal provisions, study relevant material and prepare a draft tailored specifically for Maharashtra before placing any proposed legislation before the state legislature.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the committee's formation will be announced during the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, with a formal announcement likely to be made next week.
Addressing the issue, Fadnavis reaffirmed the government's resolve to bring in the legislation, saying the concept of a Uniform Civil Code is rooted in the Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution. Citing the vision of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, he said a uniform civil framework would strengthen the constitutional principles of equality and uniformity in matters including marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
The initiative comes amid renewed nationwide discussions on the UCC. Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to implement a Uniform Civil Code, and Maharashtra is expected to closely examine its model while preparing its own draft. States including Gujarat and Assam have also voiced support for similar reforms or measures concerning personal laws.
Reacting to the announcement, senior Congress leader Sachin Sawant said, "The Directive Principles of State Policy, which include the provision relating to a Uniform Civil Code, were actually a contribution of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru ji in the Constitution." He added that Fadnavis could also have acknowledged Nehru's contribution while referring to the constitutional origins of the UCC debate.
Sawant also said the constitutional provision envisioned a consensus-driven process and emphasised the importance of wide-ranging consultations before any legislation is drafted. He argued that legal experts, lawyers, representatives of different communities and other stakeholders should be consulted to ensure the proposed law is inclusive and enjoys broad acceptance. He further said his party would support the legislation if it was constructive and inclusive, but would oppose it if it was introduced merely to create political controversy or polarisation, like BJP does.
Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande, meanwhile, welcomed the government's decision, describing support for a Uniform Civil Code as a long-held ideological commitment of her party. She said the late Bal Thackeray had aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party on the basis of three key issues - construction of the Ram Temple, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.
Kayande said the Shiv Sena has consistently backed the idea of a common civil law applicable to all citizens irrespective of religion and therefore welcomed the Chief Minister's announcement. She also expressed hope that Maharashtra would move quickly towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code and become one of the leading states to carry out the reform.
Also Read | Trinamool Bengal Chief Resigns From All Posts in Fresh Setback for Mamata Banerjee
