The Chhattisgarh government has decided to set up a high-level committee to prepare a draft Uniform Civil Code for the state. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur. The proposed move is aimed at simplifying personal laws and promoting religious and gender equality.
Committee Formation
Retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai will head the panel. The Chief Minister has been authorised to nominate the remaining members. The committee will examine legal and social aspects linked to a state-level UCC framework.
Purpose of the Draft
The draft is intended to create a common legal framework for matters currently governed by different personal laws. These include:
- Marriage and divorce
- Inheritance and succession
- Adoption and maintenance
- Family disputes
The government has stated that the objective is to bring greater legal clarity and uniformity in civil matters.
Consultation and Legal Process
The committee will invite suggestions from citizens, organisations, and experts before preparing the draft. After completion, the draft will be placed before the state assembly following the required legal process. This indicates that the proposal will undergo further legislative scrutiny before any implementation.
Constitutional Context
Article 44 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens. The directive principle has long remained a key topic in debates on legal reform, secularism, and equality. Chhattisgarh’s move adds to the wider national discussion on the scope and feasibility of a UCC at the state level.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026