A key meeting of the high-level committee constituted for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code was recently held in New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The meeting saw detailed discussions on the current status, progress, and various dimensions of the UCC draft. 

During the meeting, the committee reviewed the draft law prepared so far, with special emphasis on issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance rights, and adoption laws. The committee also underlined that while drafting the code, the interests of all communities are being carefully considered to maintain social harmony. Members shared their views on the final observations drawn after incorporating feedback received from citizens and consultations held with social and religious organisations. Retired IAS officer C.L. Meena, advocate R. C. Kodekar, former Vice-Chancellor Daxesh Thakar, and social worker Gitaben Shroff, among others, were present at the meeting.

State-Wise Implementation Of UCC

Though the UCC is still in the deliberation phase, several States have taken steps related to the UCC framework. Uttarakhand remains the only State where the code is fully operational. Goa, meanwhile, has had a form of uniform civil law in place for decades. Meanwhile, Gujarat is set to implement the UCC, and even introduce a UCC Bill in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.

The need for UCC gained priority with the Delhi High Court and several other courts emphasising addressing inconsistencies between personal laws and national laws. In recent years, the Central government has linked UCC to gender equality, women’s rights, and equality before the law. The Law Commission had also undertaken consultations on the subject in multiple phases.

The UCC falls under Article 44 of the Constitution, which places it among the Directive Principles of State Policy, and not as a mandatory provision. The Central government has clarified that tribal communities, particularly those in the Scheduled Areas, will be kept outside the purview of the UCC to safeguard their traditional practices.

UCC Framework

The proposed UCC framework in Gujarat may include mandatory registration of marriages across all religions, equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, and uniform legal provisions for divorce and maintenance, among others. The State government has asserted that there will be no interference in religious rituals and customs, and that the law will be strictly limited to civil matters.