Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the state government will table the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill during the upcoming Winter Session of the state assembly. The statement comes about a month after the government formally began the implementation process for the UCC guide by appointing a five-member committee.
The Uniform Civil Code aims to replace personal laws based on religion and customary practices with a common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, regardless of their faith. The proposal has been a subject of debate in India, with supporters arguing it ensures gender equality and national unity, while critics claim it infringes on religious freedom.
Chhattisgarh joins a growing list of states exploring the UCC. Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a UCC bill in February 2024, and other states like Assam and Gujarat have expressed interest. The five-member committee appointed by the Chhattisgarh government is tasked with drafting the UCC guide, which will outline the proposed framework.
The Winter Session of the Chhattisgarh assembly is expected to take place later this year, though specific dates have not been announced. The tabling of the bill is likely to spark further discussions on the uniform code's implications for the state's diverse communities.