The West Bengal government formed a high-level committee on Friday to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before taking further legislative steps [1], [2].
The move signals a cautious approach to a legal framework that would unify personal laws across different religious communities. Because such laws govern marriage, divorce, and inheritance, any change can trigger significant social and legal friction.
The committee consists of nine members [3]. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will chair the panel [1], [4]. The government announced the group's formation in a notification issued this week [1], [2].
Officials said that the committee was established because of the draft bill's "wide ramifications and voluminous nature" [1], [4]. The panel is tasked with studying the draft document in detail and submitting recommendations to the government before any decision on the proposed legislation is taken [4].
This step follows the adoption of UCC frameworks in other Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam [1]. The draft under review in West Bengal is dated 2026 [3].
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari leads the government overseeing this review process [1], [4]. The panel's findings will determine if the state proceeds with the legislation or requests modifications to the current draft [4].
“The committee was established because of the draft bill's "wide ramifications and voluminous nature"”
The decision to form a judicial-led committee suggests that the West Bengal government is prioritizing legal scrutiny over immediate implementation. By appointing a former Supreme Court judge, the state aims to insulate the process from political volatility and ensure the draft aligns with constitutional mandates before it is introduced to the legislature.
