The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC), bringing the state a step closer to introducing a common civil law for all communities.
The Bill is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.
If passed, it will introduce uniform rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, succession, and live-in relationships.
However, Scheduled Tribes (STs) will remain exempt from the proposed law.
With this move, Madhya Pradesh could become one of the few states, after Uttarakhand, to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
New Rules for Live-In Relationships
One of the most talked-about features of the draft UCC is its provisions related to live-in relationships.
According to the proposal, couples in a live-in relationship will have to register their relationship with the authorities.
The draft also proposes penalties for those who fail to register their relationship or provide false information during the registration process.
Another major provision states that a married person who enters into a live-in relationship could face imprisonment of up to five years.
The government says this measure is intended to discourage relationships that conflict with an existing legally valid marriage.
Common Civil Laws Across Communities
The proposed UCC aims to introduce a single set of civil laws covering several personal matters, regardless of religion.
These include:
Marriage registration
Divorce
Inheritance and succession
Maintenance
Adoption
Guardianship
The draft also proposes to prohibit practices such as polygamy while promoting equal legal rights and responsibilities for all citizens covered under the law.
According to the state government, the main objective of the UCC is to simplify personal laws, promote gender justice, and create a uniform legal framework for civil matters.
Bill to Be Introduced in the Assembly
After receiving Cabinet approval, the draft UCC Bill will now be introduced in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
If the Assembly passes the Bill, the government will issue detailed rules for implementing various provisions, including marriage registration and the registration of live-in relationships.
Debate Expected Over the Proposal
The draft UCC is expected to spark significant legal and political debate because of its wide-ranging impact on personal laws and civil relationships.
Supporters believe the law will promote legal uniformity and gender equality across communities.
Critics, however, are expected to examine its impact on personal freedoms and existing personal laws.
If approved by the Assembly, the legislation could become one of the most significant state-level civil law reforms in recent years.
