Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai-led committee will study personal laws, consult stakeholders and prepare a draft
The Chhattisgarh government has taken a significant step towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by constituting a high-level committee to examine the proposal and prepare a draft law for the state.
The Vishnu Deo Sai-led government issued an order through the General Administration Department on Thursday, June 25, setting up a five-member panel to study the feasibility of a Uniform Civil Code, seek public feedback and recommend a legislative framework.
The committee will be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Its members include Shatrughna Singh, M.K. Raut, Mohan Pawar and Jyoti Rani Singh.
Panel to study personal laws and seek public suggestions
According to the government order, the committee will examine existing personal laws governing marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption and other civil matters across different communities.
It has also been tasked with inviting suggestions from citizens, legal experts, social organisations and other stakeholders before preparing its recommendations. The panel will study states where the UCC has already been implemented or where similar initiatives are underway.
After completing consultations and legal review, the committee will submit a draft Uniform Civil Code along with legislative and administrative recommendations to the state government.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the government would decide the future course of action only after the committee completes its detailed study and stakeholder consultations.
BJP defends move, Congress raises concerns
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao defended the government’s decision, saying the UCC was a constitutional necessity and that the committee would prepare its recommendations after extensive consultations.
“The government has constituted a drafting committee to implement the UCC. The committee will gather suggestions and advice before submitting its report to the government. A former Supreme Court judge heads it. The draft will be prepared based on inputs received,” Sao said.
He also rejected concerns over its impact on tribal communities.
“The UCC is a necessity today. Babasaheb Ambedkar had made provisions for it in the Constitution. Congress spreads confusion on every issue. This will not affect the tribal community. Ours is a democratic country, and such a system exists within democracy. Three states have already implemented the UCC, and Chhattisgarh is also moving in that direction,” he added.
The Congress, however, opposed the move, arguing that India’s diverse social and cultural landscape makes a uniform civil framework difficult to implement.
Former minister and Congress leader Amarjeet Bhagat said a single legal framework could overlook the customs and traditions of different communities, particularly tribal groups.
“India is a land of diversity. Every community has its own situation. Applying one standard through the Uniform Civil Code is not appropriate. This is an attempt to impose it. Tribal people do not even know what the UCC is. This is a ploy to save power and is not appropriate,” Bhagat said.
Political debate likely to intensify
The decision is expected to trigger a wider political debate in Chhattisgarh, where tribal communities constitute a significant section of the population and traditional customs remain closely linked to social identity.
While the state government has projected the initiative as a step towards legal reform and equality, the opposition has questioned its timing and raised concerns about its impact on communities with distinct personal laws and customary practices.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- Chhattisgarh moves towards Uniform Civil Code, forms high-level panel to draft legislation - June 26, 2026
- NIA charges 11 accused in JMB-linked terror conspiracy case spanning Northeast and West Bengal - June 26, 2026
- Kerala Church raises questions over stricter foreign funding regulations - June 26, 2026
