Governance – Chhattisgarh Moves Ahead With Committee to Prepare Uniform Civil Code
Governance – The Chhattisgarh government has formally begun the process of preparing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant policy initiative aimed at reviewing and modernising the state’s legal framework governing personal laws. To take the proposal forward, the state administration has appointed a high-level committee that will examine existing laws, gather public feedback, and recommend a comprehensive legal framework for consideration by the government.
Expert Panel Assigned to Lead the Process
The state government has constituted a five-member committee under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Her appointment is considered notable because she previously chaired the committee responsible for drafting the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, giving the panel experience in handling a similar legal exercise.
The committee also includes retired IAS officers Shatrughan Singh and M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mohan Pawar, and retired principal Jyoti Rani Singh. The diverse composition is intended to combine judicial expertise, administrative experience, legal knowledge, and social perspectives while preparing recommendations for the proposed code.
Committee Given Broad Legal Responsibilities
According to the official notification issued by Avinash Champawat, Secretary of the General Administration Department, the committee has been entrusted with an extensive mandate. It will study the current legal provisions related to personal laws applicable in Chhattisgarh and assess whether a uniform legal framework can be introduced.
The panel has also been asked to prepare recommendations covering important civil matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, succession, and adoption. In addition, it will draft legislative and administrative proposals that can be submitted to the state government after completing its review.
Public Consultation to Be Part of the Exercise
A key feature of the committee’s work will be public engagement. The government has directed the panel to invite suggestions and opinions from citizens, legal professionals, social organisations, and other stakeholders before finalising its recommendations.
The consultation process is expected to provide an opportunity for different sections of society to express their views on the proposed legal reforms. Such feedback will be considered while preparing the final draft of the Uniform Civil Code for the state.
Study of Existing Models Across States
The committee has also been instructed to examine Uniform Civil Code models that have already been implemented or proposed in other states. This comparative study will help identify legal approaches, administrative practices, and implementation mechanisms that could be suitable for Chhattisgarh.
Officials believe that analysing existing legislative frameworks will assist the committee in preparing recommendations that are legally sound and practical for implementation within the state’s administrative system.
State Signals Next Phase of Legal Reform
With the formation of this expert committee, Chhattisgarh has entered the initial stage of evaluating the possibility of introducing a Uniform Civil Code. The panel’s findings and recommendations will guide the government’s future decisions on whether and how such legislation should be introduced.
The move places Chhattisgarh among the states actively examining legal reforms related to personal laws. Once the committee completes its work, the government will review its report before taking any further legislative or administrative action.