The NCP MLA questions focus on Muslims during the discussion on triple talaq and multiple marriages, while BJP members push for the Uniform Civil Code
MUMBAI — A heated debate broke out in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly during the ongoing Monsoon Session after BJP legislators raised concerns over triple talaq and polygamy, demanding the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.
The discussion began when BJP MLA Devyani Pharande highlighted cases from her constituency and claimed that some Muslim women continue to face difficulties due to divorce and marital disputes. She argued that a Uniform Civil Code should be implemented to ensure equal rights and legal protection for women across communities.
The issue led to sharp exchanges in the assembly, with members from both the ruling alliance and the opposition expressing differing views on the matter.
Taking part in the debate, Sana Malik, an MLA from the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), questioned why discussions on polygamy and women’s rights repeatedly focus only on Muslims.
“Although Islam permits polygamy under certain conditions, similar incidents can be found in other communities as well. Why is no one talking about those cases? Why is only the Muslim community being targeted?” she asked during the debate.
Malik argued that injustice against women is not confined to any one religion and that the issue should be addressed in a broader social context rather than being linked to a single community.
During her speech, she reportedly referred to data relating to women who had suffered abuse or abandonment and asked whether all such victims belonged to the Muslim community.
“The answer is no,” she said. “Women from different religions face such problems. Then why is the discussion centred only on Muslims?”
Her remarks drew attention across the assembly and added a new dimension to the debate over personal laws and the proposed Uniform Civil Code.
Earlier, BJP MLA Devyani Pharande had cited examples from her constituency and alleged that some Muslim men divorce their wives over the phone or through messages by pronouncing triple talaq. She claimed that in certain cases, women had been threatened or pressured into accepting divorce, leaving them financially and socially vulnerable.
She also raised concerns about polygamy and argued that women often suffer the consequences of such practices.
Referring to the law enacted by the Central Government against instant triple talaq, Pharande said the legislation was introduced to protect Muslim women and provide them with justice.
“Pakistan is also a Muslim country and has restrictions regarding triple talaq. Therefore, my demand is that a Uniform Civil Code should be implemented here as well so that no woman faces injustice,” she said.
Responding to the discussion, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam informed the assembly that the Maharashtra Government supports the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.
He said that a committee headed by a retired High Court judge has already been constituted to study the matter and submit recommendations.
“The government is in favour of implementing the Uniform Civil Code. Further action will be taken after the committee submits its report and recommendations,” Kadam told the House.
The minister also defended the government’s position against allegations that Muslims were being singled out.
“No law is made against followers of any particular religion. Laws are framed for everyone. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the government is targeting Muslims,” he said.
Kadam added that the law against instant triple talaq was enacted by the Central Government and that the state administration was responsible only for its implementation. He assured the assembly that the law would be enforced strictly and that affected women would receive justice.
During the debate, Sana Malik also stated that instant triple talaq is widely regarded as a disapproved practice within Islam.
“Pakistan implemented measures in accordance with the teachings and principles of the Qur’an. If similar provisions are introduced in India in line with those principles, we would welcome them,” she said.
The discussion also drew criticism from opposition benches.
Senior Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader and former minister Jayant Patil questioned whether such a sensitive issue should have been debated on the floor of the assembly.
Patil said the Speaker should have exercised caution and avoided a full-fledged discussion on a subject that could potentially create tension.
“This is a sensitive issue. The Speaker should have called the concerned member and minister for discussions and considered rejecting the proposal. Such matters can affect the social atmosphere, and therefore debates on them should be handled carefully,” he said.
The exchange reflects the growing political and social debate surrounding the Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra and across the country. While BJP leaders continue to present the proposal as a measure aimed at ensuring equality and uniformity in personal laws, critics argue that discussions around the issue often focus disproportionately on Muslims and risk creating unnecessary divisions.
With the state government awaiting the report of the expert committee, the debate over the Uniform Civil Code is expected to remain a major political issue in Maharashtra in the coming months.
