Chhattisgarh Forms 5-Member Panel to Draft Uniform Civil Code

The Chhattisgarh government has constituted a five-member committee to prepare a draft for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The panel will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai and has been tasked with examining the existing legal framework before recommending a comprehensive draft law.

The decision marks another step in the state's efforts to introduce a Uniform Civil Code after the proposal received approval from the state Cabinet earlier this year.

Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to Lead the Committee

According to the government notification, the committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.

The panel has been entrusted with:

• Studying the current legal framework.
• Reviewing existing personal laws.
• Consulting stakeholders where required.
• Preparing a draft Uniform Civil Code.
• Recommending legislative and administrative measures for implementation.

The committee is expected to submit recommendations that could form the basis of future legislation in the state.

Areas the Committee Will Examine

The committee will review legal provisions relating to several aspects of personal law, including:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Maintenance
• Inheritance
• Succession
• Adoption
• Guardianship
• Related civil matters

Its recommendations will focus on creating a more uniform legal framework while considering constitutional and administrative requirements.

Why the Uniform Civil Code Is Being Proposed

A Uniform Civil Code aims to establish a common set of civil laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion.

Supporters argue that a UCC promotes:

• Equality before the law.
• Uniform legal standards.
• Simpler civil procedures.
• Greater legal clarity.

At the same time, the subject remains widely debated because it involves balancing constitutional principles, cultural diversity and personal laws followed by different communities.

Cabinet Approved the Proposal Earlier

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, had approved the proposal to move forward with the Uniform Civil Code on April 5.

Following that decision, the government has now formally established the committee to prepare a draft framework and recommend how the law could be implemented in the state.

What Happens Next?

The committee will begin reviewing existing laws and preparing its recommendations.

After submitting its report, the state government will examine the proposed draft before deciding whether to introduce legislation in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly.

Any final Uniform Civil Code would require legislative approval before coming into force.

Why This Development Matters

The formation of the committee places Chhattisgarh among the states actively examining the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.

The recommendations could influence future legal reforms concerning personal laws and may contribute to broader national discussions on the subject.

Conclusion

Chhattisgarh's decision to establish a five-member committee under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai marks an important step toward drafting a Uniform Civil Code for the state. By reviewing existing laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and related matters, the panel will prepare recommendations that could shape future legislation. The committee's report will play a key role in determining the next phase of the state's proposed legal reforms.

FAQs

1. Who will lead the Chhattisgarh UCC committee?

The committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.

2. What is the purpose of the committee?

The panel will prepare a draft Uniform Civil Code and recommend legal and administrative measures for its implementation.

3. Which issues will the committee examine?

It will study laws relating to marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, succession, adoption, guardianship and other personal law matters.

4. What is a Uniform Civil Code?

A Uniform Civil Code is a proposed common set of civil laws governing personal matters for all citizens, regardless of religion.

5. Has the Uniform Civil Code been implemented in Chhattisgarh?

No. The government has only constituted a committee to prepare a draft and recommendations. Any final law would require legislative approval.

6. When did the Chhattisgarh Cabinet approve the proposal?

The state Cabinet approved the proposal to proceed with the Uniform Civil Code on April 5, 2026.