Days after passing the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, the state government has started moving towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Maharashtra, on the lines of Uttarakhand.
On Wednesday, Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe directed several departments, including Law and Judiciary, General Administration, Home, and Women and Child Welfare, to submit replies within one month to a Calling Attention motion raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Parinay Phuke.
“We have received a letter from the minister that the issue concerns several departments. Since the issue is of extreme importance, I hereby ask all the departments to submit a written reply to you (Phuke) within one month. If the reply is not received, then let me or the council chairperson know about it and we will hold a meeting on it,” Gorhe said.
Phuke had raised the motion, addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking clarity on the implementation of UCC. As the matter involves multiple departments, the Chief Minister’s Office informed the House that a response would be provided after consultation with all departments.
Although no formal reply was presented, Gorhe allowed Phuke to speak on the issue.
“Article 44 of the Indian Constitution mentions that the state should try to implement UCC. Instead of having different acts on marriage, divorce or adoption for different castes and religions, it is important to have one act in one nation,” Phuke said, giving reference to the Uttarakhand Government, which has brought UCC.
“We are the people who follow religion and work according to the Constitution. I request that the UCC be brought in the next session of the state legislature,” he added.
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Gorhe said the government intends to respond and has sought additional time. “We are sure that the sensitive issue will be handled,” she said.
In December 2022, then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said that the Constitution empowers states to decide on implementing a UCC. “Every state will have to make a decision regarding it. Maharashtra too will think about it at the right time,” he said at a press conference.
The issue gained political traction in 2023 when the Shinde-led Shiv Sena demanded the introduction of a UCC Bill in the state.
In December 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the matter would be discussed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and then deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.
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In February 2024, Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a UCC law governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships. However, following multiple petitions, the state’s Home department submitted an affidavit in October 2025 proposing amendments addressing privacy concerns by dropping Aadhaar-based authentication, and revisiting provisions such as disclosure requirements for live-in relationships and the registrar’s authority to inform parents or guardians of those under 21.
On Wednesday, the Gujarat government introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026 in the Assembly, proposing a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships across religions.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
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Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
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