Maharashtra govt to set up expert committee to draft UCC proposal

The process of framing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state has been initiated by the Maharashtra government as it is planning to set up an expert committee to study existing legal frameworks, relevant material and prepare a draft proposal of the UCC.

Confirming the development, Chief Minister Debendra Fadnavis indicated that the setting up of the committee will be announced during the ongoing monsoon session of the Assembly, while a formal announcement is likely to be made next week.

The Chief Minister further stated that the concept of the UCC has been supported in the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution.

Fadnavis refers to Ambedkar

Referring to the vision of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Chief Minister said that a common civil framework would uphold constitutional values of equality and uniformity in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, reported ANI.

Also Read: A brief history of uniform civil code, and why the idea wouldn't go away

The development comes at a time when deliberations on the UCC have gathered pace in several parts of the country. Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to implement the UCC. Besides Uttarakhand, states including Gujarat and Assam have also initiated the process to introduce UCC.

Congress' response

Responding to the development, senior Congress leader Sachin Sawant said, "The Directive Principles of State Policy, which include the provision relating to a Uniform Civil Code, were actually a contribution of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru ji in the Constitution."

He observed that the Chief Minister could have acknowledged Nehru's role while referring to the constitutional basis of the proposal.

Also Read: No choice, no voice: Indian Muslims driven to both accept UCC and lose franchise

Sawant further stated that the constitutional provision contemplated a broad consensus before such legislation is framed. He emphasised that legal experts, advocates, representatives of different communities and other stakeholders should be consulted to ensure the proposed law is inclusive and acceptable.

He added that the Congress would extend support if the legislation was constructive and inclusive, but oppose it if brought only to create political controversy or polarisation, as the BJP does.

Shiv Sena backs move

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande welcomed the proposed move, stating that support for a UCC has remained a consistent ideological position of the party. She said the late Bal Thackeray had forged the alliance with the BJP around three principal issues, including the construction of the Ram Temple, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the implementation of the UCC.

Kayande said the Shiv Sena has consistently advocated a common civil law for citizens irrespective of religion and expressed hope that Maharashtra would move ahead with the reform at the earliest.