Raipur, Chhattisgarh |: The Chhattisgarh Government has taken a significant step toward implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by inviting public suggestions and feedback on the proposed legislation. The state-appointed UCC Committee has appealed to citizens, social organizations, religious institutions, community groups, legal experts, and political parties to submit their views by October 15, 2026.
The initiative marks another major milestone in the state’s efforts to formulate a comprehensive and inclusive legal framework for personal civil matters. If implemented, Chhattisgarh is expected to become the fifth state in India to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, following similar developments in other states.
Committee Led by Former Supreme Court Judge
The committee entrusted with studying and preparing the draft for the proposed Uniform Civil Code is headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The committee also comprises:
- Shatrughan Singh, Retired IAS Officer
- M.K. Raut, Retired IAS Officer
- Mohan Pawar, Senior Advocate
- Jyoti Rani Singh, Retired Principal
The panel has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive legal, administrative, and social study before submitting its recommendations to the state government.
Public Consultation Process Begins
The committee has emphasized that public participation is essential in shaping the proposed legislation. Suggestions have been invited from:
- Individual citizens
- Government and non-government organizations
- Religious institutions
- Community groups
- Social organizations
- Legal professionals
- Political parties
- Other stakeholders
According to the committee, these recommendations will help determine the structure and provisions of the future Uniform Civil Code for Chhattisgarh.
Key Areas Under Review
The committee is examining several important aspects of personal civil laws, including:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Maintenance
- Inheritance and succession
- Adoption
- Other matters related to family and personal laws
The objective is to evaluate whether religion-based personal laws can be replaced with a uniform legal framework applicable to all citizens while remaining consistent with the Constitution of India.
Comparative Study of Existing UCC Models
As part of its mandate, the committee is also studying the implementation of Uniform Civil Code in other Indian states to identify best practices that could be adapted for Chhattisgarh.
The panel will analyze:
- Existing legal framework in Chhattisgarh
- UCC models implemented in other states
- Administrative feasibility
- Social impact
- Constitutional and legal considerations
- Public feedback and expert recommendations
Based on these findings, the committee will prepare a comprehensive draft report and submit legislative as well as administrative recommendations to the state government.
How Citizens Can Submit Suggestions
The committee has provided multiple channels for public participation.
By Email
Through the Official Web Portal
By Post
Office of the Uniform Civil Code Committee
New Circuit House, Civil Lines
Room No. 202
Raipur, Chhattisgarh – 492001
The deadline for submitting suggestions is October 15, 2026.
Chhattisgarh Set to Join States Implementing UCC
The Uniform Civil Code has been one of the country’s most debated legal reforms, aiming to establish uniform personal laws for all citizens irrespective of religion.
According to the state government, Chhattisgarh is preparing to become the fifth Indian state to move toward implementing the Uniform Civil Code, following initiatives in Uttarakhand, Goa, Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh, as part of broader legal reforms.
A Significant Legal Reform Initiative
By inviting public participation before finalizing the draft, the Chhattisgarh Government aims to ensure that the proposed Uniform Civil Code reflects constitutional principles, legal clarity, administrative practicality, and public opinion. The consultation process is expected to play a crucial role in shaping one of the state’s most significant legal reform initiatives in recent years.
