Rajasthan moves towards Uniform Civil Code; panel constituted to draft legislation

Jaipur, June 22 (IANS) Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham said on Monday that Rajasthan is moving towards the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). 

The state government has constituted a high-level committee to prepare the draft of the proposed legislation, which aims to establish uniform civil laws for all citizens.

Addressing a press conference at the Government Secretariat, Patel said the decision to take action in this direction was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on April 14, 2026.

He said the initiative is being undertaken in accordance with the constitutional spirit while ensuring that the customs, traditions and rights of tribal communities remain protected under constitutional provisions.

Patel described the move as a historic step aligned with Article 44 of the Constitution, which forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policy and directs the State to strive for a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.

Bedham said a committee has been constituted to draft The Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code, 2026.

The committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.

Other members include retired IAS officer Shatrughna Singh, Rajasthan High Court Additional Advocate General Basant Singh Chhaba, former Principal of Government Law College, Sri Ganganagar, Ramswaroop Agarwal, and Dr Shuchi Chauhan.

The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has been appointed as the Member-Secretary of the committee.

The Minister of State for Home said the committee will conduct consultations at the divisional level to ensure that the proposed legislation is inclusive, transparent and reflective of public opinion.

Citizens will also be able to submit suggestions directly to the committee through a dedicated online platform.

He said public participation would play a crucial role in the drafting process and help create legislation that is progressive and suited to Rajasthan's social and cultural context.

According to the ministers, the primary objective of the Uniform Civil Code is to establish a common civil law framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance, irrespective of religion, caste or community.

Currently, these matters are regulated by different personal laws.

The proposed legislation seeks to bring uniformity in civil matters while promoting gender equality and ensuring equal rights for women.

The proposed framework includes mandatory registration of marriages and divorces, a complete ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of live-in relationships, and equal rights for sons and daughters in ancestral property.

The ministers said the state government is committed to drafting a balanced, progressive and inclusive law that reflects Rajasthan's unique social fabric while strengthening equality, transparency and justice for all citizens.

--IANS

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