The West Bengal government has formed a nine-member committee, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, to review the draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill. The decision was announced on July 11, 2026, amid ongoing national debate over the implementation of a uniform legal framework for personal laws.
Committee composition and mandate
The committee is headed by Justice (retd) Ranjan Gogoi, former Chief Justice of India. Other members include legal experts, academicians, and representatives from minority communities. The panel has been tasked with examining the draft bill's provisions, assessing its impact on various religious and cultural practices, and suggesting modifications to ensure it aligns with constitutional principles and protects minority rights.
According to a government statement, the committee will submit its report within three months. The state government emphasized that the review process will be transparent and inclusive, inviting suggestions from stakeholders across the state.
Political context and reactions
The formation of the committee comes as the central government pushes for the UCC, which aims to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures with a common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been a vocal critic of the UCC, arguing that it could undermine the diversity of personal laws and infringe upon the rights of minorities.
"The UCC must not be imposed without thorough consultation and consensus. Our committee will ensure that the draft is scrutinized from all angles," Banerjee said in a press conference. The opposition BJP has criticized the move, calling it a delaying tactic. "This is yet another attempt by the TMC government to obstruct progressive legislation," said BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar.
Impact and significance
The committee's review could influence the final shape of the UCC bill in West Bengal, which has a significant minority population. Legal experts note that the state's stance may set a precedent for other states. The draft bill, prepared by the Law Commission, has been submitted to the central government for consideration.
The committee includes retired judges, constitutional experts, and representatives from the Muslim, Christian, and Sikh communities. Its first meeting is scheduled for next week in Kolkata.
