Uniform Civil Code – Chhattisgarh Panel to Begin UCC Consultation Process on July 24
Uniform Civil Code – The Chhattisgarh government has formally begun the next phase of its plan to examine the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the expert committee scheduled to hold its first meeting on July 24.
The Chhattisgarh government has announced that the committee established to study the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will convene for the first time on July 24. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao confirmed the development, saying the panel will begin discussions aimed at preparing recommendations that will eventually be submitted to the state government for consideration.
Expert Committee Begins Its Work
The BJP-led state government initiated the process of drafting a Uniform Civil Code last month by setting up a five-member expert committee. The panel is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, who has been entrusted with examining the existing legal framework governing personal laws in the state and preparing a detailed roadmap for potential legislation.
According to the government, the committee’s responsibility is to assess legal provisions currently in force, consult stakeholders, and recommend a framework that aligns with constitutional principles before any legislative action is considered.
Government Rejects Opposition’s Concerns
Responding to criticism from the Congress party, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said the state government has repeatedly clarified that the proposed Uniform Civil Code would not adversely affect the interests or constitutional rights of tribal communities.
He maintained that the committee’s work would proceed in accordance with the Constitution and stressed that the process is being overseen by an experienced former Supreme Court judge. Sao added that once the committee completes its study, it will submit its recommendations to the government for further evaluation.
The Deputy Chief Minister also accused the opposition of creating unnecessary confusion among the public. He alleged that Congress was attempting to spread misinformation instead of engaging in a constructive debate on the issue.
Congress Raises Tribal Rights Issue
The Congress party has continued to oppose the proposed move, arguing that the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code could have significant consequences for tribal communities in Chhattisgarh.
State Congress President Deepak Baij claimed that tribal communities, which account for more than 32 percent of the state’s population, enjoy special constitutional safeguards under the Fifth Schedule and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, commonly known as the PESA Act. He argued that any legal changes affecting personal laws must take these constitutional protections into account and expressed concern that the proposed code could weaken existing safeguards.
Committee Given Broad Legal Mandate
An official notification issued last month by the General Administration Department outlined the committee’s responsibilities in detail. The panel has been authorised to review the legal framework governing personal laws across the state and recommend changes wherever considered necessary.
Its scope of work includes examining issues related to marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance and adoption. The committee has also been directed to gather views from citizens, legal experts, social organisations and other stakeholders to ensure a broad-based consultation process.
In addition, the panel will study Uniform Civil Code models that have been implemented or proposed in other Indian states. Based on its findings, it will prepare a draft legal framework along with administrative and legislative recommendations for submission to the Chhattisgarh government, which will decide the next course of action after reviewing the report.