West Bengal Forms Committee to Finalize Uniform Civil Code

The Government of West Bengal has established a nine-member expert committee to review and finalize the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2026. Led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the panel follows a state cabinet decision made on July 2 to create a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, and adoption for all residents regardless of religion.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated the move fulfills a BJP campaign promise and adheres to the principle of one nation, one law. The administration plans to table the bill during the assembly's August session. If passed, West Bengal would become the fourth Indian state to adopt a UCC, following Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam. The proposed legislation will maintain constitutional exemptions for Scheduled Tribes and ancient indigenous communities.

State ministers Arjun Singh and Dilip Ghosh confirmed the law is bound to be implemented in the state and potentially across the country. Committee member Tathagata Roy noted that while some differences between states may exist, the fundamental principles should remain consistent.