Madhya Pradesh constituted a high-level committee on 27 April 2026 to examine the feasibility of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The panel has been asked to study personal law matters, state legislation, and models adopted in other Indian states.
Uniform Civil Code
A Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of civil laws for all citizens on matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, adoption, and maintenance. Article 44 of the Constitution of India places the UCC among the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Committee Composition
The six-member committee is chaired by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prasad Desai, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India. Other members include retired IAS officer Shatrughna Singh, legal expert Anoop Nair, educationist Gopal Sharma, and social worker Budhpal Singh. Ajay Katesariya, Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, has been appointed as the Secretary of the committee.
Terms Of Reference
- The committee will examine existing laws on maintenance, inheritance, succession, marriage, divorce, adoption, and live-in relationships.
- The panel will study the UCC frameworks adopted by Uttarakhand and Gujarat, both of which have enacted UCC-related laws.
- The committee will invite suggestions and objections from the public, religious organisations, social organisations, and subject experts.
- The panel has been directed to place special focus on the rights of women and children.
Timeline And Submission
The committee has been directed to submit its report with a draft bill within 60 days. Some references to the exercise mention a six-month timeline and a target of implementing legislation by Diwali 2026.
Exam-Relevant Constitutional Context
Personal laws in India are linked to religion-based family law practices in areas such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and succession. The UCC is discussed in the context of legal uniformity under the Constitution and state-level legislative competence over civil matters.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026