Rajasthan Cabinet Approves Tree Protection and Uniform Civil Code Bills

Jaipur, August 13: The Rajasthan Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, approved several significant proposals during its meeting on Thursday. Among these are the drafts for the Rajasthan Tree (Protection) Bill-2026 and the Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code Bill-2026.

The proposed Tree Protection Bill aims to safeguard the environment and biodiversity while curbing illegal tree felling. Meanwhile, the Uniform Civil Code Bill seeks to establish a uniform and transparent legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, and live-in relationships in the state.

The Cabinet also approved a policy for the operation and maintenance of rural water supply infrastructure and made several decisions related to the welfare of soldiers and personnel.

Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Baidwan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, Public Health Engineering Minister Kanhaiya Lal, and State Minister for Industries and Commerce KK Vishnoi briefed the media on the Cabinet’s decisions.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel stated that the Rajasthan Tree (Protection) Bill-2026 will be presented in the upcoming assembly session as part of the state’s efforts to protect the environment and biodiversity.

The Cabinet has approved the draft of this bill, which aims to promote the propagation and conservation of 29 important tree species, including the state tree Khejri, the state flower Rohida, Banyan, Peepal, Lasora, Tendu, Mahua, Kair, and Chirongi.

The proposed law intends to regulate tree felling on non-forest land and establish accountability for violations. Offenses under this law will be classified as cognizable and bailable.

Individuals found guilty of illegal tree felling could face up to one year in prison, a fine of 100,000 rupees, or both.

Under the proposed provisions, no individual will be allowed to cut or remove trees on their owned or occupied land without prior permission from the authorized authority. If a tree is cut or removed with permission, a specified number of replacement trees must be planted in the same area.

The government stated that the conservation of these tree species would benefit the livelihoods of tribal communities and residents of desert areas, while also supporting the rural economy.

The Cabinet also approved the draft of the Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code Bill-2026, which will be presented in the upcoming assembly session.

According to Jogaram Patel, the proposed law aligns with the spirit of Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. Its aim is to create a uniform, transparent, and organized legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, and live-in relationships in Rajasthan.

The proposed law will not apply to Scheduled Tribes. Communities and groups with protected traditional rights under the Constitution will also be excluded from its scope.

This draft was prepared based on recommendations from an expert committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The proposed code mandates the registration of marriages and prohibits polygamy.

Individuals will retain the freedom to marry according to the traditions and customs of their respective religions and communities, including practices like Saptapadi, Nikah, Anand Karaj, and Sacred Union.

Once the law is enacted, all marriages conducted must be registered within 60 days.

The bill also includes provisions related to live-in relationships, ensuring protection of both parties’ rights through written notice or registration of their commencement and termination.

For the registration of marriages or divorces, the registrar must issue a certificate within 15 days of receiving the memorandum or reject the application with written reasons.

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