UCC in Maharashtra: Fadnavis announces committee to draft implementation framework

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced the formation of a high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai to prepare the framework and rules for implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. Making the announcement in the Maharashtra Assembly, Fadnavis said the committee would draft the roadmap for implementing the UCC, placing Maharashtra among a growing number of states pursuing a common civil law framework. The committee comprises former judges of the Supreme Court and High Court, a constitutional expert, a former bureaucrat and members from the social sector. Apart from Justice Desai, its members include Justice R C Chavan, Justice S G Mehere, D K Jain, constitutional expert Birendra Saraf, Padma Shri awardee Ramesh Patange and Dr Suvarna Rawal. The panel has been tasked with preparing the legal framework and implementation rules before the state proceeds with the next steps towards introducing the UCC. What is the Uniform Civil Code? A Uniform Civil Code seeks to replace religion-specific personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, adoption and maintenance with a common set of civil laws applicable to all citizens. The concept is enshrined in Article 44 of the Constitution, one of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which states that the State shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the country. Although the Directive Principles are not enforceable by courts, they serve as guiding principles for governance and policymaking. Which states have already moved on UCC? Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to implement a Uniform Civil Code, with the law coming into force in January 2025 after the state framed the necessary rules. Goa continues to follow a common civil code inherited from the erstwhile Portuguese Civil Code, making it India's only state with a long-standing uniform civil law system. Gujarat became the second state after Uttarakhand to pass a Uniform Civil Code law after its Assembly adopted the legislation earlier this year. Assam became the first state in the Northeast and the third in the country to adopt a Uniform Civil Code after the Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026 in May. The law provides a common civil framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and live-in relationships, while exempting Scheduled Tribes to protect their constitutional safeguards and customary practices. Madhya Pradesh has constituted a committee to examine the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stating that the state also intends to introduce the law. With Thursday's announcement, Maharashtra has formally begun the process of preparing its own Uniform Civil Code framework. The committee's recommendations are expected to form the basis for any future legislation introduced by the state government.