Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Approves Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet unanimously approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2026 during a special session on July 19 at a historical site in Jagdishpur. Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister, stated the law advances the principle of 'One Nation, One Law' by establishing a single legal framework for marriage, divorce, maintenance, and adoption regardless of religion. The bill, drafted by a committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, includes the compulsory registration of live-in relationships and prohibits instant triple talaq.

Key provisions of the bill set the minimum marriage age at 21 for men and 18 for women, mandate equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, and restrict legal residency in the state to individuals with only one spouse. Married persons who enter live-in relationships may face up to five years of imprisonment. The law exempts Scheduled Tribes and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in protected areas. Yadav reported broad public support for the measure, citing that 93.54% of respondents favored the UCC, including 80% of participating Muslim women.

Opposition leaders criticized the move. Congress Spokesperson Abbas Hafeez questioned the bill's impact on tribal polygamy rights and condemned the Chief Minister's use of religious analogies. Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar argued the legislation is an attempt to divert public attention from unemployment and inflation. The government intends to table the bill during the assembly's monsoon session, which runs from July 20 to July 25, with the goal of implementation within the month.