Madhya Pradesh Introduces Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026

The Government of Madhya Pradesh introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, in the state Legislative Assembly on July 20, 2026, during the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Formally introduced by State Minister Gautam Tetwal after approval from a cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the legislation seeks to standardize marriage rituals and property rights across different religions.

Key provisions of the bill include a minimum marriage age of 18 for brides and 21 for grooms, mandatory marriage registration, and a ban on polygamy and nikah halala. The law prohibits second marriages without a legal divorce, with violators facing potential imprisonment. Additionally, the bill establishes a legal framework for live-in relationships and ensures equal property rights for children regardless of gender, while granting exemptions to tribal populations.

Opposition from the Indian National Congress and other stakeholders emerged immediately. Congress MLAs alleged the government introduced the bill deceitfully and without prior notice on the assembly agenda. A delegation led by Bhopal City Qazi Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi submitted a memorandum to Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar requesting wider stakeholder consultations. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party argues the code ends the politics of appeasement and ensures equal rights, the opposition argues that Muslims should be exempted from the code and that the legislation was rushed through without public consultation.