Maharashtra begins public consultations on the Uniform Civil Code Bill. Citizens can submit suggestions on marriage, inheritance and live-in relationships by November 15.
The Maharashtra government has initiated public consultations to gather citizens’ opinions and suggestions on the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The move marks an important step towards preparing a common legal framework for personal matters, including marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships, which are currently governed by different religious personal laws.
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government has started the consultation process to understand public concerns before moving ahead with the proposed legislation. Citizens can share their views through an official online portal, email and postal submissions. The last date for sending suggestions is November 15, 2026.
The Maharashtra Uniform Civil Code Bill initiative is being overseen by a seven-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai. The committee has been tasked with examining relevant issues and preparing recommendations for the proposed law.
Seven-Member Committee Formed Under Justice Ranjana Desai
The Maharashtra government constituted a seven-member committee in July 2026 to supervise the drafting process and examine different aspects of the proposed Uniform Civil Code.
The panel is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai. Other members include former High Court judges R.C. Chavan and S.G. Mehare, former Chief Secretary D.K. Jain, former Advocate General Virendra Saraf, constitutional expert Ramesh Patange and educationist Suvarna Rawal.
The committee will examine various personal and family-related legal matters while considering public feedback and suggestions.
Its recommendations are expected to provide a framework for the state government’s next steps towards introducing the proposed legislation.
37-Question Survey Seeks Public Opinion on Personal Laws
As part of the consultation exercise, the committee recently released a questionnaire containing 37 questions to understand citizens’ views on different aspects of the Uniform Civil Code.
The survey covers several sensitive and important issues related to family laws and personal rights.
Some of the major subjects included in the questionnaire are:
– Legal age of marriage: Citizens are asked to share their views on possible marriage-age options of 18, 21, 24 or 27 years.
– Polygamy: Opinions are being sought on restrictions concerning multiple marriages.
– Inheritance rights: The survey examines the possibility of equal inheritance rights.
– Live-in relationships: Questions address the mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
– Marriage and divorce: The broader framework of personal laws is also part of the consultation process.
Through this questionnaire, the government intends to understand public expectations and concerns before finalising its approach to the proposed UCC legislation.
How Can Citizens Submit Suggestions on Maharashtra UCC?
The Maharashtra government has provided multiple options for citizens who want to participate in the consultation process.
People can submit their opinions and recommendations through the following channels:
1. Official website: Suggestions can be submitted through the dedicated UCC consultation portal.
2. Email: Citizens can send their feedback to [email protected].
3. Postal submission: Written suggestions can be sent to the committee’s office in Fort, Mumbai.
The consultation deadline is November 15, 2026. Citizens interested in expressing their views on the proposed law are encouraged to submit their responses before the closing date.
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Committee chairperson Justice Ranjana Desai officially launched the dedicated web portal through a video conference on Thursday. The platform has been introduced to make public participation easier and provide a convenient way for people to submit their recommendations.
The Maharashtra Uniform Civil Code Bill consultation process is expected to help the committee understand different perspectives on personal laws and identify issues that require further examination.
What Is the Uniform Civil Code and What Does It Cover?
The Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of civil laws governing personal and family-related matters, irrespective of an individual’s religion.
Currently, different religious communities in India follow different personal laws in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and family relationships.
The proposed UCC aims to establish a uniform legal framework for these matters. Some of the key issues generally associated with the code include:
– Marriage and divorce regulations.
– Restrictions on polygamy and polyandry.
– Equal inheritance and property rights.
– Legal recognition and registration of live-in relationships.
– Common rules governing family-related matters.
The objective is to establish consistency in civil laws while addressing questions of equality, individual rights and legal protections.
Which Indian States Have Implemented or Proposed UCC?
The debate around the Uniform Civil Code has gained momentum across several Indian states.
Goa has a long-standing common civil law framework rooted in its Portuguese-era Civil Code of 1867. It is often cited as an example of a common civil code in India.
Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement a modern Uniform Civil Code. The legislation came into force in February 2025.
Meanwhile, Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh have taken steps towards introducing UCC-related legislation. Their respective legal and implementation processes remain subject to the required approvals and further government action.
Several other states, including Maharashtra, have also explored the possibility of introducing a common civil law framework through committees and consultation exercises.
Maharashtra’s UCC Move Could Become a Major Legal Development
The launch of public consultations indicates that Maharashtra has moved into an important stage of examining the proposed Uniform Civil Code.
Rather than directly introducing the legislation, the state government has initiated a process to collect public feedback through a dedicated portal and a detailed questionnaire.
The Maharashtra Uniform Civil Code Bill could have implications for several aspects of personal and family laws if the proposal eventually moves forward.
For now, the seven-member committee will examine citizens’ suggestions and consider the legal and social implications of the proposed changes. Its recommendations will play an important role in determining the next steps towards a possible Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra.
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