Jaipur, June 23: Rajasthan is making significant strides towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). On Monday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and Home State Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham announced the formation of a high-level committee tasked with drafting the proposed legislation aimed at establishing a uniform civil law for all citizens.
During a press conference at the state secretariat, Patel revealed that the decision to move forward was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on April 14, 2026. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the constitutional spirit, ensuring the protection of the customs, traditions, and rights of tribal communities under constitutional provisions.
Patel described this initiative as a historic step in accordance with Article 44 of the Constitution, which is part of the directive principles of the state policy, mandating the state to strive for a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.
Bedham added that the committee, responsible for drafting the ‘Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code, 2026’, is chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Other members include retired IAS officer Shatrughan Singh, Rajasthan High Court‘s Additional Advocate General Basant Singh Chhaba, former principal of Government Law College in Sri Ganganagar Ram Swaroop Agarwal, and Dr. Shuchi Chauhan. The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has been appointed as the committee’s member-secretary.
The Home State Minister stated that the committee will engage in discussions at the divisional level to ensure that the proposed law is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of public opinion. Citizens will also have the opportunity to provide suggestions directly to the committee through a dedicated online platform.
He noted that public participation will play a crucial role in the drafting process, helping to create a law that is progressive and suitable for Rajasthan’s social and cultural environment.
According to the ministers, the primary objective of the Uniform Civil Code is to establish a consistent legal framework for matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and alimony, irrespective of religion, caste, or community. Currently, these issues are governed by various personal laws.
The proposed legislation aims to bring uniformity in civil matters, promote gender equality, and ensure equal rights for women. Key features of the proposed framework include mandatory registration of marriages and divorces, a complete ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of live-in relationships, and equal rights for sons and daughters in ancestral property.
The ministers affirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a balanced, progressive, and inclusive law that reflects Rajasthan’s unique social fabric while strengthening equality, transparency, and justice for all citizens.
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