Mumbai, June 23: The Maharashtra government has approved the formation of a committee, chaired by a retired High Court judge, to prepare a report on implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.
State Home Minister Yogesh Kadam announced in the assembly on Tuesday that the UCC will be enacted following the committee’s report.
Kadam stated, “The Maharashtra government is in favor of implementing the Uniform Civil Code. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the formation of a committee, led by a retired High Court judge, to draft the UCC. The UCC will be implemented after receiving the committee’s report.”
This announcement came in response to a notice raised by BJP MLA Devyani Farande regarding the increase in triple talaq cases in Nashik district. Farande claimed that despite the central government’s ban on triple talaq, such cases are on the rise. She mentioned receiving complaints from three Muslim women alleging threats, violence, and triple talaq from their husbands.
Farande added, “Even Pakistan has now banned polygamy.” She questioned the Maharashtra government’s stance on the issue of polygamy, which is permissible in Islam, and whether the UCC would be implemented in Maharashtra, similar to Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
She also inquired, “Assam has banned polygamy. Will Maharashtra do the same?”
In response, Kadam stated that the UCC would include provisions to prohibit polygamy. He emphasized, “The government is not against any religion or individual. Once the UCC is implemented, it will apply equally to all, regardless of their faith.”
During the discussion, ruling NCP MLA Sana Malik questioned Farande’s statement, asking whether only Muslim women are victims of violence and whether polygamy exists solely in Islam.
Malik clarified, “Only instant triple talaq has been banned, not all forms of triple talaq.”
Following Malik’s remarks, opposition members rallied in her support, while BJP legislators insisted that the state will operate according to the constitution, not religious texts.
The assembly witnessed a brief uproar, leading to a heated debate between members of both sides.
Kadam informed the house that in 2024, 42 cases of triple talaq were registered, resulting in 152 arrests. In 2025, 39 cases were reported, leading to 95 arrests.
He stated, “This indicates that the practice still exists, necessitating strict legal action.” The minister assured prompt action against the accused and reiterated that the government is not against any religion but aims to ensure the safety and support of women across all faiths.
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