1 month ago
Madhya Pradesh Approves Uniform Civil Code Bill
The government of Madhya Pradesh has approved a new law called the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
This law aims to give equal rights to everyone in the state, no matter their religion.
The UCC says that only one marriage will be recognized, and divorce must go through the proper legal process.
Live-in relationships must be registered within a month.
The law also ensures that men and women have equal rights to property.
Over 80% of women in the state support this new law.
The government wants all political parties to support the UCC to make sure everyone is treated fairly.
The bill will be introduced in the monsoon session of the state assembly beginning on July 20, 2026.
A committee headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai drafted the bill, which includes recommendations, a draft bill, and a public consultation report.
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) 2026 Bill on July 19, 2026.
The bill covers marriage, live-in relationships, adoption, and inheritance, excluding tribal communities.
Marriage registration is mandatory, with the marriageable age set at 21 for men and 18 for women.
The UCC ensures equal legal status for all children born through marriage, live-in relationships, adoption, surrogacy, and ART.
The bill will be introduced in the monsoon session of the state assembly beginning on July 20, 2026.
- Who
- Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav
- What
- Approval of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill
- Where
- Jagdishpur Fort, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- When
- July 19, 2026
- Why
- To provide equal rights and opportunities to all citizens, regardless of religion
Supporters
Opponents
Inclusion of Tribal Communities
Supporters
The bill excludes tribal communities, respecting their unique cultural practices.
Opponents
Some argue that the exclusion of tribal communities may perpetuate inequality and discrimination.
Key facts
- Bill Name
- Madhya Pradesh Uniform Civil Code (UCC) 2026 Bill
- Approval Date
- July 19, 2026
- Meeting Location
- Jagdishpur Fort, Bhopal
- Marriage Recognition
- Only one marriage recognized
- Divorce Process
- Legal process required, 'Talaq' not accepted
- Live-in Relationships
- Must be registered within one month
- Property Rights
- Equal rights for men and women
- Public Support
- Over 80% of women backed the bill
- Marriageable Age
- 21 for men, 18 for women
- Bill Introduction
- Monsoon session beginning July 20, 2026
- Committee Head
- Retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai
- Bill Structure
- Four parts, 404 sections, seven schedules
- Public Consultation
- Over 9.58 lakh suggestions received
Timeline
Madhya Pradesh scraps mutual consent rule for Dearness Relief, speeding up decisions.
Then, government starts DGP search early, eyeing law and order.
In response, Uniform Civil Code introduced: marriages, live-ins registered, remarriage banned.
Code ensures one marriage, equal property rights, and gender balance.
Quotes
An official
Government official
“Under the marriage provisions, only one marriage is permitted while a spouse is alive, with divorce valid only through legal procedure and court decision. The minimum age for marriage is set at 21 years for men and 18 years for women, and registration of marriages is mandatory across all levels, from panchayat to municipal corporation.”
opindia.com
“If a married person enters a live-in relationship, the law provides for punishment of up to five years. Religious freedom is safeguarded, with individuals free to follow their rituals, worship methods, and ceremonies without compulsion, and no religion has been demeaned.”
opindia.com
Sources
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet clears draft UCC bill, exempts Adivasis
Not declaring live-in relationship could land couples in jail under Madhya Pradesh’s UCC
Explained: Madhya Pradesh Uniform Civil Code Bill and all its provisions
MP Cabinet Meet: State To Recognise Only One Marriage, Live-In Relationships To Be Registered Within A Month | VIDEO
Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves Uniform Civil Code bill, to introduce it in assembly's monsoon session
Madhya Pradesh approves Uniform Civil Code: Marriage, inheritance, live-in rules explained
Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves draft UCC Bill
MP cabinet approves Uniform Civil Code draft bill
MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations
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