Former SC judge heads the committee to seek views; Chief Minister Mohan Yadav says the state is committed to implementing the measure
BHOPAL — The Madhya Pradesh government has begun the process of seeking public opinion on the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Monday.
The move comes days after Assam passed its Uniform Civil Code Bill, while Uttarakhand and Gujarat have already taken steps towards implementing similar legislation.
Speaking about the proposal, Yadav said his government was fully committed to introducing the Uniform Civil Code in the state and had initiated consultations with the public before moving ahead.
“Different personal laws governing marriages and family traditions on the basis of religion are no longer necessary,” the chief minister said. “We need a Uniform Civil Code in the state. Inspired by the adoption of the UCC in Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam, the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to implementing it.”
The proposed legislation has drawn opposition from several Muslim groups and organisations, which argue that the law could affect religious freedom and interfere with personal laws that are protected under existing legal and constitutional arrangements.
Yadav said a committee headed by a former Supreme Court judge had been formed to study the issue and collect suggestions from people belonging to different religious communities across the state.
“The purpose is to gather views from the public and speed up the process of implementing the UCC in Madhya Pradesh,” he said. “The state wants to move forward with this proposal, and we will be proud if our government is able to take this step. Under the leadership of the prime minister, the state government is committed to working for the welfare of the people.”
The chief minister said Madhya Pradesh was among the states best suited for implementing the Uniform Civil Code. He also announced that a dedicated website had been launched to receive public feedback.
“A website has been started to collect suggestions from citizens, and I appeal to the people to share their views on this matter,” he said.
The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a common set of civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships, regardless of religious affiliation.
Supporters of the proposal argue that a common civil code would promote equality before the law and ensure uniform legal rights for all citizens. Critics, however, maintain that personal laws are closely linked to religious and cultural identity and should be protected.
Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to pass a Uniform Civil Code law in February 2024. Gujarat followed in March 2026 after an extended debate in the state assembly. Assam also passed its UCC Bill on 27 May this year.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yadav also chaired a review meeting of the Women and Child Development Department at the state secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, he reviewed the progress of various welfare schemes and directed officials to ensure their effective implementation.
State Women and Child Development Minister Nirmala Bhuria and senior departmental officials attended the meeting.
