Madhya Pradesh to implement Uniform Civil Code, CM Mohan Yadav announces

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NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said his government is committed to implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and has begun the process of gathering public feedback before moving ahead with the proposal. Addressing the issue, Yadav said the practice of different personal laws governing marriage and family matters based on religion was no longer necessary and that Madhya Pradesh should move towards a common legal framework. "The current practice of following different personal laws regarding our sisters' weddings and family traditions based on religion is no longer necessary. We need a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state," he said.

Committee formed to gather feedback

The chief minister said the state government, drawing inspiration from states that have already adopted the UCC, has constituted a committee headed by a former Supreme Court judge to collect suggestions from people belonging to all religions across different districts of Madhya Pradesh. "The Madhya Pradesh government, inspired by the adoption of UCC in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam, is committed to implementing UCC," Yadav said. According to news agency ANI, he said the committee includes scholars from various backgrounds and has been tasked with compiling public suggestions to help expedite the process of implementing the code. "The goal is to compile these suggestions and expedite the implementation of UCC in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh wishes that it should be implemented and we will be proud our government will move in this direction," he said. Yadav added that a dedicated website has been launched to collect public feedback and urged residents to share their views on the proposed legislation. "A website has been launched to collect public suggestions, and I appeal to the public to contribute their thoughts on the matter on it," he said.

MP follows UCC push in other BJP-ruled states

The chief minister said Madhya Pradesh was among the most suitable states for implementing the Uniform Civil Code and reiterated the government's commitment to moving forward with the proposal under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The announcement comes as several BJP-ruled states have advanced UCC legislation in recent years. Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a Uniform Civil Code Bill in February 2024. Gujarat followed by clearing its UCC legislation through a voice vote in March 2026 after a marathon debate in the Assembly. Most recently, Assam passed its Uniform Civil Code Bill on May 27, becoming the first northeastern state and the third BJP-ruled state to move ahead with such legislation. The law seeks to establish a common civil framework governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion. Key provisions of the Assam legislation include a ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of marriages and live-in relationships, and penalties for non-compliance. Separately, Yadav chaired a review meeting of the women and child development department at the state secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, the chief minister reviewed the progress of various welfare schemes and directed officials to ensure their effective implementation. Women and child development minister Nirmala Bhuria and senior department officials were also present.