MP govt launches UCC website, seeks public input by June 15
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an official website — ucc.mp.gov.in — to gather public suggestions on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurating the portal on Friday, 22 May 2026. Citizens have until 15 June 2026 to submit their views, marking a significant step in the state's consultative process toward drafting the landmark legislation.
What the Portal Aims to Do
The platform is designed to give every citizen a direct channel to share opinions and recommendations with the government before the bill is finalised. Chief Minister Yadav said the transparent, inclusive approach would help shape a balanced and widely acceptable code tailored to Madhya Pradesh's specific needs. The government has stated that all suggestions received through the portal will be seriously examined at subsequent drafting stages.
The High-Level Committee Behind the Draft
Retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, who chairs the High-Level Committee on UCC, participated in the launch event virtually. The committee, constituted in late April 2026, has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive framework for the code. Justice Desai brings considerable experience, having previously led similar UCC-related efforts in other states. Other members of the expert panel were also present during the event.
What the UCC Seeks to Change
The Uniform Civil Code proposes replacing religion-based personal laws with a single, common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance for all citizens regardless of faith. Historically a sensitive and politically charged subject, the UCC has been a long-standing electoral commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as envisaged under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution.
Where Madhya Pradesh Fits in the National Picture
Madhya Pradesh is following the lead of Uttarakhand and Gujarat, which have already taken concrete steps toward UCC implementation. This comes amid a broader push by BJP-governed states to advance the code ahead of any central legislation. The public consultation model being adopted in Madhya Pradesh is being seen as an attempt to build consensus on what critics and community groups have historically described as a divisive proposition. Notably, this is the first time the state has opened a dedicated digital platform for citizen input on the UCC.
What Comes Next
Once the 15 June 2026 deadline passes, the High-Level Committee will collate the public feedback and proceed with drafting the bill. The timeline for tabling legislation before the state assembly has not yet been announced. All eyes will be on whether the volume and diversity of public response shapes a draft that can navigate the legal and social sensitivities the UCC has long attracted.