A six-member committee to examine the UCC framework, as debate grows over the impact on personal laws and constitutional safeguards across communities
BHOPAL/NEW DELHI — The government of Madhya Pradesh has established a committee to examine the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), sparking a political debate between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition.
The six-member panel will be headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai and includes academics, social workers and retired judicial members. The committee has been tasked with examining the legal framework and practical aspects of introducing a common civil law in the state.
The move follows similar steps taken by other BJP-ruled states after Uttarakhand became the first state to implement a version of the UCC.
Soon after the announcement, opposition leaders raised concerns over the possible impact on personal laws followed by different religious communities. Congress MLA Arif Masood said, “The Constitution already provides safeguards to religious communities. If there is any attempt to interfere with these rights, we will oppose it.”
He added that such a law could affect not just Muslims but also Christians, tribal communities and others who follow their own personal laws.
Congress leader Mukesh Nayak questioned the timing of the move. “The government should focus on education and basic issues. People are dealing with unemployment, rising prices and other concerns. These matters need attention,” he said.
On the other hand, BJP leaders defended the proposal, saying it aims to bring equality in legal matters. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma said, “There should be one law for all citizens. The committee will study how this can be done properly.”
The Uniform Civil Code refers to a set of laws that would replace personal laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across different communities with a common framework.
Legal experts note that any such move requires careful examination, as personal laws are closely linked to religious practices and constitutional protections.
The committee is expected to consult stakeholders and study models from other states before submitting its recommendations.
For now, the formation of the panel has sparked a broader discussion on balancing equality before the law with the protection of cultural and religious diversity.
