After Uttarakhand and Assam, the BJP-led Chhattisgarh government has decided to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). In a key decision taken on Wednesday, 15th April, the Chhattisgarh cabinet, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, approved the formation of a high-level committee to prepare a draft for implementing the UCC in the state.
STORY | Chhattisgarh cabinet forms panel for drafting UCC to 'simplify laws and promote religious equality'
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 15, 2026
The Chhattisgarh cabinet on Wednesday decided to constitute a high-level committee, headed by a retired judge, to prepare a draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for its… pic.twitter.com/RSI3P0osKH
The announcement marks an important step in the BJP’s larger push to introduce a common set of civil laws across states, especially on issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Committee formed to draft UCC
As part of the decision, the state government has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. The committee members would be nominated by the Chief Minister and would discuss matters with various social and legal groups before framing a detailed draft.
Speaking to reporters, CM Sai said, “The state cabinet has decided to constitute a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai to prepare a draft for the implementation of the UCC.” He added that the panel will consult widely before finalising its recommendations.
The government is also planning to collect public feedback through different channels, including a possible web portal. Once the draft is ready, it will be presented before the cabinet, and after approval, it will be introduced in the state assembly.
Why UCC is being considered
At present, personal matters like marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance in Chhattisgarh are governed by different laws based on religion. The government believes that this creates confusion and inequality in the legal system.
The move is also linked to Article 44 of the Constitution, which talks about the need for a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens. According to the state government, having a single law for everyone will make the system simpler and promote equality, especially for women.
Along with the UCC proposal, the cabinet also approved a 50% reduction in property registration charges for women. While this step is expected to encourage more women to own property, officials say it may lead to a revenue loss of around ₹153 crore. However, the government sees it as a long-term investment that will improve women’s financial security.
Amit Shah pushes UCC in Assam
The push for UCC is not limited to Chhattisgarh. Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also promised UCC while addressing a rally in Assam on 7th April.
Speaking at a public meeting, Shah said, “If you form a BJP-led government in Assam, we will bring in a uniform civil code, which will ensure that no one marries four times. And I assure that tribals will be kept outside of the purview of UCC, we know who it should cover.”
PM Modi ended triple talaq, yet the Congress opposed it.
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 7, 2026
Now, we are bringing the Uniform Civil Code, and they are opposing this as well. UCC means no one can have 4 marriages.
On 5th May, form the BJP government in Assam, and we will implement the UCC here.
– Shri @AmitShah… pic.twitter.com/kREN0vxx1D
His statement made it clear that the BJP is planning to expand the implementation of UCC to more states, while also addressing concerns of tribal communities.
The BJP’s push for UCC began with Uttarakhand, which became the first state in the country to implement the law in January 2025. The law also includes provisions related to live-in relationships, making it one of the most comprehensive UCC frameworks so far.
Following this, Gujarat also passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill in 2026.
