The West Bengal government has constituted a nine-member expert committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, to examine the draft West Bengal Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026.
The committee has been given four weeks to scrutinise the draft legislation and submit its recommendations. Based on its report, the state government is expected to introduce the Bill during the August Assembly session.
Key provisions under consideration
According to government sources, the draft UCC may include:
1. A ban on polygamy. 2. Equal ancestral property rights for men and women. 3. Measures to curb child marriage. 4. Provisions to regulate live-in relationships, including a possible registration mechanism.
The state government is also studying UCC models implemented or proposed in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam while finalising the legislation.
Indigenous communities to be exempt
The proposed law is expected to exclude Adivasi (indigenous) communities from its ambit, similar to exemptions provided in other UCC frameworks.
Political background
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had informed the Assembly that the UCC would be implemented in the state following due procedure. The move follows the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s election promise to introduce a Uniform Civil Code within six months of assuming office.
Opposition response
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has opposed the proposed legislation. Party chief and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed party leaders to oppose the Bill both inside and outside the Assembly. Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee has also questioned the government’s timeline, arguing that legislation affecting personal and family laws should undergo wider public consultation before being enacted.
