Maharashtra has appointed a committee chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai to draft a Uniform Civil Code for the state. The panel, which includes legal and administrative experts, is tasked with submitting its report within six months. The government intends to present a draft bill during the upcoming winter legislative session.
The Maharashtra government has officially initiated the process to develop a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by forming a seven-member expert committee. This panel is led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, who previously guided a similar exercise in Uttarakhand. The state has set a clear timeline, requesting the committee to submit its findings and recommendations within a period of six months.
Committee Structure and Expertise
The composition of the committee reflects a combination of legal, administrative, and social backgrounds. Alongside Justice Desai, the team includes former judges of the Bombay High Court, R.C. Chavan and S.G. Mehare. The panel is further supported by the administrative experience of former Chief Secretary D.K. Jain and the legal expertise of former Advocate General Birendra Saraf. The group is rounded out by constitutional expert Ramesh Patange and activist Suvarna Rawal. This interdisciplinary approach is designed to evaluate the complexities involved in personal laws.
Legislative Objective and Scope
The primary mandate of this committee is to analyze the legal and social implications of implementing a unified set of rules governing personal matters. These areas include marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession. By reviewing existing laws and potential changes, the committee aims to draft a framework that the state government can consider for formal legislation. The government has expressed an intention to introduce a bill regarding this code during the winter session of the state legislature, provided the draft is ready.
Context of the Move
This initiative follows the precedent established by the state of Uttarakhand, which previously utilized Justice Desai’s expertise to draft its own version of a Uniform Civil Code. That earlier project resulted in a formal report, which served as a reference point for this new appointment. For observers of state policy, the primary focus will now shift to the committee’s drafting process and whether the proposed bill meets the government's target timeline for the winter session. Investors and stakeholders in sectors affected by personal law—such as family-run businesses, succession planning, and real estate—will monitor the potential changes to inheritance and property rights that could arise from the final draft.