The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. The panel has been given a six-month deadline to submit its report, according to an official notification issued on July 9, 2026.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The seven-member committee includes legal experts, retired judges, and academics. Besides Justice Desai, the panel comprises retired Bombay High Court judge Justice V. K. Tahilramani, law professor Dr. A. M. Khanwilkar, and four other members specializing in family law and constitutional matters. The committee is tasked with examining existing personal laws and recommending a uniform framework applicable to all citizens, regardless of religion.
The government order states that the panel will consider the cultural diversity of Maharashtra while ensuring gender justice and equality. The committee has been directed to consult stakeholders, including religious leaders, women's groups, and legal experts, before finalizing its draft.
Political Context and Reactions
The decision comes amid a nationwide push for UCC by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government. Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, has prioritized the UCC in its agenda. However, opposition parties have criticized the move, calling it a divisive tactic ahead of elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, "The UCC is an attack on the diversity of India. Maharashtra should not impose a one-size-fits-all law."
In contrast, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule welcomed the decision, stating, "The UCC will ensure equal rights for women and end discrimination based on religion. Justice Desai's panel will produce a balanced draft."
Six-Month Timeline and Next Steps
The committee is required to submit its draft within six months, by January 2027. The government has allocated a budget of ₹2 crore for the panel's operations, including research and public consultations. Once the draft is submitted, the state cabinet will review it and may introduce a bill in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Legal experts note that implementing a UCC in Maharashtra could face challenges due to the state's diverse population, including significant Muslim, Christian, and tribal communities. The committee's recommendations will need to navigate these complexities while adhering to constitutional provisions.
