Jaipur, June 22 (IANS). Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham said on Monday that Rajasthan is moving towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The state government has formed a high-level committee to draft the proposed law, which aims to create a uniform civil law for all citizens.
Addressing a press conference at the Government Secretariat, Patel said that the decision to take steps in this direction was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on April 14, 2026.
He said that this initiative is being taken in accordance with the constitutional spirit, while also ensuring that the customs, traditions and rights of the tribal communities are protected under the constitutional provisions.
Patel described the move as a historic step in line with Article 44 of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy and directs the state to strive for a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.
Bedham said that a committee has been formed to prepare the draft of ‘Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code, 2026’. The committee is being headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
Other members include retired IAS officer Shatrughan Singh, Additional Advocate General of Rajasthan High Court Basant Singh Chhaba, former principal of Government Law College, Sri Ganganagar Ramswaroop Agarwal and Dr Shuchi Chauhan. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has been appointed member-secretary of the committee.
The Minister of State for Home said that the committee will hold talks at the divisional level to ensure that the proposed law is inclusive, transparent and reflective of public opinion. Citizens will also be able to give suggestions directly to the committee through a special online platform.
He said that public participation will play an important role in the drafting process and will help in making a law which is progressive and suitable to the social and cultural environment of Rajasthan.
According to the ministers, the main objective of the Uniform Civil Code is to create a uniform civil law framework for matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance, irrespective of religion, caste or community.
At present, these matters are governed by separate personal laws. The proposed law aims to bring uniformity in civil matters, as well as promote gender equality and ensure equal rights for women.
This proposed framework includes things like mandatory registration of marriages and divorces, complete ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of live-in relationships and equal rights for sons and daughters in ancestral property.
The Ministers said that the State Government is committed to creating a balanced, progressive and inclusive legislation that reflects the unique social fabric of Rajasthan and also strengthens equality, transparency and justice for all citizens.
–IANS
ASH/DKP
