West Bengal Government Takes Steps Towards Uniform Civil Code

Kolkata, 29 June 2026 - The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, announced the initiation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, unveiling a high-powered committee to outline the proposed legislation. This committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is tasked with delivering recommendations within a four-week timeframe. The UCC Bill is expected to be introduced during the extended Budget Session of the Assembly in August.

Adhikari revealed the announcement on the last day of the current Assembly session, stating that the state Cabinet would review the UCC draft in a scheduled meeting slated for 2 July. This legislative move is seen as a significant undertaking by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, aligning with a commitment mentioned in its election manifesto.

The proposed UCC is aimed at replacing religion-specific personal laws with a uniform civil framework that governs all citizens in West Bengal. Key aspects such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and adoption will be standardised under this new legal framework. Adhikari clarified that tribal and indigenous communities, such as Kudmi, would be exempt from the legislation, mirroring exemptions provided in similar laws enacted in Uttarakhand and Gujarat.

Overall, the chief minister outlined nine areas the proposed law would address, aiming to unify different personal laws that are currently based on various religions. "The BJP had promised to implement the Uniform Civil Code in its election manifesto, and the government is committed to fulfilling that promise," Adhikari stated in the Assembly. He reiterated, "We are committed. Whatever we have written in our manifesto will be implemented. The UCC will be enforced in West Bengal, no matter what."

The committee overseeing this initiative will consist not only of Justice Desai but also a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, a legal expert, an academic, a social worker, and an Additional Secretary from the state administration, who will also serve as the committee's Member-Secretary. The committee will conduct a thorough examination of existing personal and family laws, evaluate the feasibility of a standard legal framework, and consider the social and legal ramifications of the proposed UCC.

Chief Minister Adhikari assured the Assembly that the committee would welcome inputs from stakeholders, including individuals or groups interested in voicing their opinions regarding the proposed legislation. However, the announcement was met with protests from members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay, who voiced their opposition to the UCC.

The opposition accused the government of attempting to impose a politically motivated measure. Nevertheless, the BJP maintains that a Uniform Civil Code will ensure equal treatment under the law by replacing various personal laws derived from religion with a single comprehensive code. This initiative follows the precedent set by Uttarakhand, the first state to implement a UCC following the establishment of an enabling framework by central legislation. Adhikari emphasised the government's resolve, stating, "The Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in Bengal. It will definitely be implemented."