The Maharashtra government has formally initiated the process of drafting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by constituting a seven-member expert committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, describing it as a significant step towards creating a common civil framework in the state.

The committee has been tasked with examining the legal, constitutional, social and administrative aspects of implementing a Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra. It has been asked to submit its recommendations to the state government within six months, after which the government will prepare the final draft of the proposed legislation.

Committee Composition

The panel comprises experts from the judiciary, administration and social sector. Besides Justice Ranjana Desai as chairperson, the members include former Bombay High Court judges Justice R.C. Chavan and Justice S.G. Mehere, former Chief Secretary D.K. Jain, former Advocate General Birendra Saraf, social activist Ramesh Patange and educationist Suvarna Rawal.

According to the state government, the committee has been constituted to ensure that the proposed law is drafted after a comprehensive assessment of constitutional provisions, existing personal laws and practical implementation challenges.

Report Expected Within Six Months

Chief Minister Fadnavis said the committee would carry out detailed consultations before submitting its report. Based on its recommendations, the Maharashtra government will prepare the final draft of the Uniform Civil Code.

The government has indicated that the draft legislation will be prepared only after evaluating the committee's findings and ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements.

Government Targets Winter Session

The Chief Minister said the state government aims to introduce the Uniform Civil Code Bill during the upcoming winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur.

He added that all constitutional and legal procedures would be followed before the legislation is brought before the Assembly and Legislative Council.

According to the government, the proposed law seeks to establish a common civil framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption while remaining consistent with constitutional provisions.

State Push for Uniform Civil Code

The announcement comes days after the Maharashtra government began the formal process of examining the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.

Speaking in the Assembly, Fadnavis reiterated that the Directive Principles of State Policy encourage the State to work towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens. He also referred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of legal uniformity and equality in civil matters.

Background of UCC in India

The Uniform Civil Code has remained a subject of constitutional and political debate for decades. It seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a common set of civil laws governing issues such as marriage, divorce, succession and adoption.

Goa continues to follow a common civil code inherited from the Portuguese Civil Code, making it the only state with such a system predating Independence.

Uttarakhand became the first Indian state after Independence to implement a Uniform Civil Code in January 2025. Gujarat passed its UCC Bill in March 2026, followed by Assam in May 2026, although implementation processes continue in those states with specified exemptions.

The Maharashtra government's latest move marks another significant development in the broader national debate on the Uniform Civil Code, with the committee's recommendations expected to shape the state's legislative roadmap in the coming months.