Madhya Pradesh UCC Bill to be tabled in monsoon session, CM Mohan Yadav confirms
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday, 17 June confirmed that the state government will introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill during the upcoming monsoon session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, beginning 20 July. The Chief Minister expressed strong confidence that the Bill would be passed within the same session.
What the Chief Minister Said
Addressing media persons in Bhopal, Yadav said the government is entering the Assembly session with several significant and contemporary issues on its agenda. He invoked the blessings of Baba Mahakal while expressing optimism about the Bill's passage.
He had previously described the UCC as a crucial step aligned with the national vision of 'One Nation, One Law'. 'There is nothing wrong with implementing a uniform law across the country. It is an effort to foster equality in society,' Yadav had remarked, underscoring the government's commitment to the reform.
High-Level Committee Gathering Public Views
To ensure the legislation reflects broad societal consensus, the state government has constituted a high-level committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai. The committee is currently touring various parts of Madhya Pradesh to collect perspectives from different sections of society before the Bill is formally tabled.
States That Have Already Adopted UCC
Chief Minister Yadav noted that the UCC has already been implemented in states including Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam, and expressed hope that Madhya Pradesh would soon join them. The proposed code aims to replace religion-based personal laws with a unified civil framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption — ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of faith.
Other Agenda Items in the Monsoon Session
Beyond the UCC, the Chief Minister also issued directives to officials regarding preparations for the NEET examination on 21 June, stressing the need to provide all necessary facilities and ensure a smooth environment for candidates. The five-day monsoon session, commencing 20 July, is expected to see robust legislative debate on the UCC Bill alongside other key governance and developmental issues.
This comes amid a broader national conversation on uniform personal laws, with the Centre having signalled support for UCC implementation across states. Madhya Pradesh's move, if successful, would mark one of the most politically significant adoptions of the code given the state's size and demographic diversity.