Kolkata, July 11: The West Bengal government has constituted a nine-member expert committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to review the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill. The government is expected to introduce the proposed legislation during the August session of the State Assembly, with provisions reportedly exempting indigenous communities.
The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a common set of civil laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste or community.
If enacted, the proposed UCC would provide a uniform legal framework governing:
- Marriage and divorce
- Inheritance and succession
- Adoption
- Maintenance and alimony
The stated objective of the UCC is to ensure equal treatment of citizens in civil matters by bringing personal laws under a common legal framework.
The newly constituted committee, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, will examine the draft legislation before it is placed before the Assembly. According to the government, indigenous communities will remain exempt from the proposed law.
The report states that West Bengal would become the fourth BJP-ruled state to move towards implementing the UCC. However, this appears to be internally inconsistent, as West Bengal is not currently governed by the BJP. The state is governed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Separately, Uttarakhand became the first state to enact a Uniform Civil Code law in 2024, while Gujarat and Assam have also taken steps toward similar legislation.
The Uniform Civil Code has remained a major political issue, with supporters arguing that it promotes legal equality and uniformity in civil laws. Critics, however, have expressed concerns over its potential impact on religious and cultural diversity.
The development is expected to spark political debate both inside and outside the Assembly if the Bill is introduced during the August session.
Earlier this year, the West Bengal Assembly passed the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening legal measures against violence, riots and anti-social activities.
According to the state government, the legislation is intended to enhance public order and provide stronger legal action against individuals involved in violent activities.
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