The Bhajan Lal Sharma government has formed an expert committee to prepare the UCC draft
JAIPUR — The debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has intensified in Rajasthan after the state government announced the formation of an expert committee to prepare a draft for implementing a common civil law in the state. The move has drawn support from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, but has also triggered opposition from Muslim organisations, religious leaders and the Congress party.
The Rajasthan government’s decision comes amid growing discussion over the UCC in several BJP-ruled states. After Uttarakhand became the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code in 2024, other states governed by the BJP have also taken steps towards introducing similar legislation.
The Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government has described the formation of the expert panel as a significant step towards bringing uniformity in personal laws related to marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance and succession.
According to the state government, the proposed code aims to provide a common legal framework for all citizens irrespective of religion. Officials argue that such a system would promote equality before the law and simplify legal procedures governing family matters.
However, the proposal has met with strong resistance from several quarters, particularly among Muslim organisations and religious leaders, who fear that the code could affect religious freedoms and personal laws protected under the Constitution.
Among the strongest critics is Syed Sarwar Chishti, a prominent khadim associated with the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah. He criticised the proposed move and questioned the government’s approach.
Speaking on the issue, Chishti alleged that the proposed Uniform Civil Code would disproportionately affect Muslims. He also raised concerns about what he described as unequal treatment of different communities.
He questioned why certain tribal communities continue to enjoy exemptions in matters relating to marriage and customary practices while Muslims are expected to come under a common legal framework.
“If exemptions can be given to some communities to protect their traditions, then questions naturally arise about why similar concerns regarding Muslim personal laws are not being considered,” he said.
Chishti also accused the BJP of pursuing policies that, in his view, could deepen divisions within society.
Opposition has also come from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. The organisation’s Vice-President, Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi, alleged that the BJP was attempting to create confusion around the issue for political purposes.
Azmi argued that Muslim personal laws form an important part of the religious and cultural identity of the community and should not be altered without extensive consultation.
Leaders of the BJP, meanwhile, have been actively defending the proposal and highlighting what they describe as the benefits of a common civil law.
Party representatives say the proposed code could include provisions relating to a ban on polygamy, compulsory registration of live-in relationships and equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters.
According to BJP leaders, the objective is not to target any community but to establish equal legal standards for all citizens.
Government representatives have also pointed out that tribal communities have been exempted from UCC provisions in states where such laws have been introduced. They argue that these exemptions are intended to protect unique cultural traditions and indigenous customs that have existed for centuries.
The issue has also become a major political battleground in Rajasthan.
The Congress has strongly criticised the government’s move. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra accused the government of using the UCC debate to divert public attention from issues affecting ordinary people.
Dotasra alleged that the government should focus on employment, inflation and governance concerns instead of introducing controversial subjects that could create social and political divisions.
Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Tika Ram Jully, also questioned the timing of the government’s decision and sought clarity on several aspects of the proposed legislation.
Political observers believe that the debate over the Uniform Civil Code is likely to remain a major issue in Rajasthan in the coming months, particularly if the government proceeds with plans to introduce legislation in the state assembly.
According to reports, the draft prepared by the expert committee could be presented during a forthcoming session of the Rajasthan Assembly. BJP leaders and ministers have expressed confidence that the proposal will receive broad public support, while opposition parties and Muslim organisations have indicated that they will continue their campaign against it.
As discussions continue, the issue has once again brought into focus the long-running national debate over the balance between legal uniformity, religious freedom and constitutional rights. With political parties, religious organisations and civil society groups taking sharply different positions, the controversy surrounding the proposed Uniform Civil Code in Rajasthan shows little sign of easing in the near future.
