Justice Ranjana Desai-led panel will scrutinise the draft Uniform Civil Code before the state government takes the next step towards introducing the legislation
The West Bengal government has constituted a high-level committee to examine the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, marking another significant step towards implementing a common civil law framework in the state. The panel will conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed legislation before it is placed for further consideration.
Headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the committee has been tasked with studying the draft in detail, assessing its legal implications and recommending changes, if required, before the government moves ahead with the legislation.
High-level committee to examine draft Bill
According to a government notification, the panel has been formed considering the “wide ramifications and voluminous nature” of the proposed law. The committee will undertake a detailed examination of the draft UCC Bill and submit its recommendations to the state government.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a common legal framework governing personal civil matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance and succession, irrespective of religion, faith or community.
Bengal joins growing list of states pursuing UCC
With the formation of the review panel, West Bengal joins a growing number of states that have initiated steps towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code.
Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam have already adopted state-level UCC frameworks, while Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have also set up expert committees to prepare similar legislation.
Next step before legislation
Officials said the committee’s recommendations will help shape the final draft of the Bill before it is introduced in the state legislature.
The government has indicated that the review process is intended to ensure the proposed law is legally robust and addresses the complexities associated with personal civil laws.
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