Madhya Pradesh Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026

Context:

Recently, The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the Madhya Pradesh Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026 on 21 July 2026 during the Monsoon Session. It seeks to establish a common civil law framework in the State while exempting Scheduled Tribes from its provisions.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

The Bill introduces significant reforms in personal laws by:

• • • Criminalising polygamy and Nikah Halala.
    • Making registration of live-in relationships mandatory.
    • Providing a uniform legal framework for matters relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, adoption, and maintenance.
    • Exempting Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities to preserve their customary laws and cultural practices.
    • The legislation was drafted by a six-member expert committee headed by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Desai, former Judge of the Supreme Court.

What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

• • • The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) refers to a common set of secular civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, adoption, guardianship, and inheritance for all citizens, irrespective of religion. It aims to replace religion-based personal laws with a uniform legal framework.
    • The constitutional basis of the UCC lies in Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), which directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.

Current Status of UCC in India:

• • • Uttarakhand became the first Indian state after Independence to pass and implement a Uniform Civil Code. The Act was enacted in 2024 and came into force in January 2025.
    • Goa continues to follow the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, making it the only state with a long-standing common civil code.
    • Madhya Pradesh has now passed the UCC Bill, 2026, which will come into effect after notification.
    • Assam and Gujarat also passed Uniform Civil Code Bills in their respective Legislative Assemblies in 2026, indicating a growing trend of state-level civil law reforms.

Significance:

The Madhya Pradesh UCC Bill marks another important step in the ongoing national debate on a Uniform Civil Code. Supporters view it as a measure to promote gender equality, legal uniformity, and constitutional secularism, while critics stress the need to balance these objectives with religious freedom, cultural diversity, and federal principles. The legislation is likely to contribute significantly to future legal and constitutional discussions on implementing Article 44 across India.