Madhya Pradesh is the latest state to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after the state cabinet approved the draft bill. The new law is expected to offer equal civil rights for all citizens through a common legal framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said. The bill will be passed in the Monsoon Session of the State Assembly.
The government said the proposal was developed through extensive consultations conducted by a committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. It also includes representatives from various communities, political parties, and social organisations, according to the Chief Minister.
Key features of the Uniform Civil Code. One marriage rule
The proposed UCC provides that polygamy will not be allowed and only one legally valid marriage will be recognised at a time. Triple talaq and nikah halala are also proposed to be prohibited under the common civil framework.
Mandatory Marriage Registration
All marriages must be officially registered, and registration facilities up to the village level are planned. The government says this will allow for legal recognition of marriages and protect the rights of spouses.
Legal Divorce Process
The draft law requires all divorces to go through a legal process, replacing religion-specific procedures with a universal process for everyone covered by the law.
Equal Inheritance Rights
One of the most important provisions gives women and men the same inheritance rights irrespective of their religious background. The government says this is aimed at promoting gender equality and ensuring equal property rights.
Registration of Live-in Relationships
The UCC proposes that couples in live-in relationships must register their relationship within one month. This is to establish clarity and protect both partners, the government insists.
Tribal Communities Exempt
The proposed legislation does not apply to Scheduled Tribes (STs). The exemption is included to preserve constitutional protections and customary tribal practices.
Government's Stand
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the UCC was designed to guarantee equal rights for all citizens irrespective of religion, and public consultations showed great support for the proposal, including from many Muslim women.
What’s next?
The Cabinet's approval is an important step, but the UCC has not yet become law in Madhya Pradesh. Now the draft bill will be introduced in the State Assembly during the Monsoon Session. It must be debated and passed by the Assembly before it can take effect.
If implemented, Madhya Pradesh will join the growing list of states that have adopted or implemented state-level Uniform Civil Code legislation, which the government describes as a step toward greater legal uniformity and gender justice.
