UCC committee in Maharashtra: MahaYuti backs move, Opposition cites Article 25
Synopsis
Maharashtra has moved to form a retired High Court judge-led committee on the Uniform Civil Code — and the political fault lines are immediate. MahaYuti leaders cite the Constitution; the Opposition cites the Constitution right back, invoking Article 25's religious freedom guarantees. The real battle may be less about the law itself and more about who controls the framing.
Key Takeaways
The Maharashtra government has decided to form a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to study UCC implementation in the state.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde reaffirmed that the Shiv Sena has consistently supported a Uniform Civil Code, citing Bal Thackeray's position.
Minister Nitesh Rane defended the UCC as a constitutional provision under Dr.
Ambedkar's Constitution.
NCP MLA Sana Malik said her party does not oppose the UCC but wants it introduced in an inclusive manner respecting Article 25 .
Congress leader Arif Naseem Khan questioned the timing, calling it a possible distraction from pressing public issues in Maharashtra .
Uttarakhand enacted India's first state-level UCC law in 2024 , providing the backdrop to renewed debate across states.
The Maharashtra government's decision to constitute a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to examine the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state has drawn sharp political lines, with the ruling MahaYuti alliance firmly backing the move and the Opposition urging that any such law be brought in an inclusive manner that respects constitutional freedoms. The development came to the fore on Tuesday, 23 June, as leaders across party lines staked out their positions.
MahaYuti Leaders Back the Committee
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane defended the UCC's constitutional basis, saying: 'The UCC is mentioned in the Constitution. Whoever believes and accepts Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution will have to accept the UCC.' Rane went further, adding that those who prefer Sharia law 'can go to a nation where it is followed,' asserting that India follows its Constitution, which includes a provision for the UCC.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated that the Shiv Sena has consistently supported the UCC. 'The position of Bal Thackeray was also the same. There should be one law for the entire country — a Uniform Civil Code. Everyone should receive equal justice. This has always been Shiv Sena's position,' he told reporters.
BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar framed the UCC debate around women's rights, stating that the party's position has always been that 'women's suffering should not be viewed through the lens of religion.' He added: 'We will raise our voice against atrocities on women irrespective of any religion.'
Opposition Demands Inclusive Approach
NCP MLA Sana Malik said her party does not oppose the UCC in principle but stressed that it must be introduced in a manner that respects Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to practise their own customs and religious traditions. 'It should be brought in an inclusive manner,' she said.
Congress leader Arif Naseem Khan questioned the timing of the announcement, noting that the UCC issue was first raised in the Legislature by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member. 'Somewhere, this appears to be diverting attention from the real issues bothering the people of Maharashtra,' he said. Khan also warned that if the BJP attempts to interfere with rights guaranteed under Article 25 — which protects every community's right to practise its faith and religious traditions — 'the Congress will certainly oppose it.'
Constitutional Context
The UCC, enshrined as a Directive Principle of State Policy under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, calls for a uniform set of civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across all religious communities. It has remained one of India's most contested policy debates for decades. Uttarakhand became the first state to enact a UCC law in 2024, setting a precedent that has since renewed the debate in other BJP-governed states.
What Happens Next
The retired High Court judge-led committee is expected to study the feasibility of UCC implementation in Maharashtra and submit its report to the state government. No timeline for the report has been officially announced. The political response signals that any legislative move will face sustained scrutiny, both from within the coalition and from the Opposition benches.
Point of View
Then formalise it via executive action before the Opposition can coalesce. What is notable here is that even the NCP — a coalition partner — is hedging, calling for an 'inclusive' approach rather than offering unconditional support. The Congress's framing around Article 25 is strategically sound; it positions opposition not as anti-reform but as pro-Constitution. The real question the committee will have to answer — and which no political statement on Tuesday did — is whether Maharashtra's UCC will mirror Uttarakhand's model or chart its own course. Until that is clear, the debate will generate more heat than light.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UCC committee formed by the Maharashtra government?
The Maharashtra government has decided to constitute a committee led by a retired High Court judge to examine the feasibility of implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state and submit a report. No official timeline for the report has been announced.
What is the MahaYuti alliance's position on the UCC?
The ruling MahaYuti alliance — comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP — broadly supports the UCC. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said it has been Shiv Sena's consistent position, while Minister Nitesh Rane cited it as a constitutional obligation under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Constitution.
Why is the Opposition opposing or qualifying its support for the UCC?
The Opposition, including the Congress and sections of the NCP, has invoked Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to practise their own faith and customs. Congress leader Arif Naseem Khan also questioned the timing, suggesting the move may be intended to divert attention from other pressing issues in Maharashtra.
What is Article 25, and why is it relevant to the UCC debate?
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees every person the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion. Critics of the UCC argue that a uniform civil law, if not carefully framed, could infringe on religious personal laws protected under this article.
Has any Indian state already implemented the UCC?
Yes. Uttarakhand became the first state in India to enact a UCC law in 2024, setting a legislative precedent. Maharashtra's committee will likely study that model as part of its review.
