Madhya Pradesh Passes Uniform Civil Code: Rules of Marriage, Inheritance and Residence Clarified | Today’s news
The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), paving the way for a common set of rules governing marriage, inheritance, live-in relationships and religious freedom. However, Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) living in protected areas will be exempted from its provisions, Hindustan Times reported.
The decision was taken unanimously at a special cabinet meeting held in Bhopal’s Jagdishpur. The aim of the new law, according to the state government, is to ensure equal rights across communities while bringing uniformity in civil laws relating to family matters.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the code was framed to guarantee equal rights to all citizens irrespective of creed. “Whether Ram or Rahim, the UCC was brought to ensure equal rights for all,” he said after the cabinet meeting.
Key Provisions of the Proposed UCC
According to HT, the proposed law allows only one marriage in a spouse’s lifetime, with divorce being recognized only on the basis of court proceedings and court orders. The minimum legal age for marriage will remain 21 for men and 18 for women, while marriage registration will be mandatory at all levels, from gram-panchayats to municipal corporations.
The code also establishes equal inheritance and property rights for sons and daughters, replacing earlier provisions that allowed women to receive a smaller share in certain cases. The government has clarified that Scheduled Tribes and PVTGs residing in protected areas will remain outside the ambit of the UCC.
The proposed legislation also includes religious freedom provisions, which state that individuals will be free to practice their faith, including rituals and ceremonies, without coercion and that no religion will be denigrated under the law.
Rules for live-in relationships, public consultation
One key feature of the proposed code relates to live-in relationships. HT reported that couples who enter into a live-in relationship will have to register the relationship within a month, with the same minimum age criteria as for marriage.
The law also proposes up to five years in prison if a married person enters into a live-in relationship with another natural person. Explaining the rationale behind the legislation, Yadav said the UCC aims to promote the dignity of women, promote equal rights, enhance social harmony and promote national unity by ending discriminatory practices.
The chief minister said the government had decided to hold extensive public consultations despite having the quorum to pass the legislation directly in the assembly. Before the proposal was approved by the cabinet, citizens were invited at the district and state levels.
Yadav also claimed that 80% of Muslim women and 40% of Muslim men who participated in the consultation process supported the implementation of the Uniform Citizenship Law. He said many respondents believed Muslim women deserved the same legal protection and rights as women from other communities.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar criticized the move and alleged that the BJP was using the issue to divert attention from more pressing issues like unemployment, farmers’ plight and inflation, HT reported.
