West Bengal Government Moves to Implement Uniform Civil Code
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, announced plans to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in August 2026, fulfilling a BJP election promise. A committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will review family laws, with tribal communities exempted. The move, inspired by Gujarat, Assam, and Uttarakhand, aims to ban polygamy, enforce gender parity, and regulate live-in relationships. Opposition from Trinamool Congress and minority rights concerns have emerged.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
West Bengal forms committee to review draft Uniform Civil Code Bill
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has formed a high-level committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill for the state. The notification, dated July 10, 2026, cites the 'wide ramifications and voluminous nature' of the proposed legislation. The committee includes former Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy, IAS officers, academics, and advocates. The BJP had promised UCC implementation during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign. Chief Minister Adhikari stated that the UCC should be uniform across the nation. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticized the move, alleging it could violate minority rights. The committee is expected to begin work and submit findings soon.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal Cabinet Approves Panel to Examine Draft Uniform Civil Code Bill
The West Bengal Cabinet has approved the formation of a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine the draft West Bengal Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026. Minister Agnimitra Paul announced that the panel has four weeks to scrutinize the draft and submit recommendations, after which the bill will be placed in the Assembly. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on June 29 that UCC implementation is imminent. The proposed law is expected to ban polygamy, enforce gender parity in ancestral property rights, curb child marriage, and regulate live-in relationships. The state government will draw inputs from similar legislation in Assam, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat. Adivasi communities will be excluded from the UCC's ambit. Both factions of the Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee, oppose the bill, calling for extensive public debate. The BJP promised UCC implementation within six months of coming to power in its election manifesto.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal government to introduce Uniform Civil Code Bill in August
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, announced on June 29, 2026, that it will introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state assembly in August. The state cabinet is expected to give in-principle approval on July 2. A committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will study family laws and submit a report within four weeks. The committee includes a retired IAS officer, a legal expert, an educationist, a social worker, and a state government additional secretary. It will examine marriage, succession, and live-in relationship laws. Notably, tribal communities such as Adivasis, indigenous people, and Kurmis will be exempt from the proposed law, potentially affecting the Muslim population (27% of the state) and Christians. The CM cited inspiration from Gujarat, Assam, and Uttarakhand, where UCC has been implemented. Trinamool Congress MLAs opposed the announcement in the assembly.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal Government to Introduce Uniform Civil Code Bill Soon
The West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, announced on June 29, 2026, that it will introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state Assembly in August 2026. The state Cabinet is set to give in-principle approval on July 2. A committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will study the state's family laws, including marriage, succession, and live-in relationships, and submit a report within four weeks. The committee includes a retired IAS officer, a legal expert, an educationist, a social worker, and an additional secretary. Tribal communities, including Adivasis, indigenous people, Kurmis, and other recognized ancient tribal groups, will be exempted from the proposed law, meaning it will primarily affect Muslims (about 27% of the population) and Christians. The Chief Minister stated the government draws inspiration from Gujarat, Assam, and Uttarakhand, which have already implemented UCC. Trinamool Congress MLAs protested the announcement in the Assembly.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Announces Uniform Civil Code Implementation Following Due Procedures
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on June 26, 2026, that his government would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state by following legal procedures similar to those adopted by Gujarat and Assam. Speaking at a program commemorating Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's birth anniversary, Adhikari stated the state would adhere to the prescribed process. A source in the cabinet indicated the UCC Bill is likely to be introduced in the assembly on Monday, June 23, during the ongoing budget session, ahead of the six-month deadline promised in the BJP's election manifesto. The BJP views the UCC as a major governance promise and a politically significant reform. Several BJP-ruled states including Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra have already implemented UCC proposals. Adhikari also announced plans to build a national-level 'Vande Mataram' museum marking 150 years of the national song.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.