Madhya Pradesh Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved the draft Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 on 19 July 2026. The decision was taken during a special Cabinet meeting at Jagdishpur near Bhopal. The Bill is scheduled to be introduced in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly during its Monsoon Session.

A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) seeks to establish common civil laws for citizens, irrespective of religion. It primarily covers personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.

Constitutional Basis of Uniform Civil Code

Article 44 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code throughout India. It forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

However, Article 44 is non-justiciable. Therefore, it cannot be directly enforced by courts.

Key Provisions of Madhya Pradesh UCC Bill

The proposed law introduces several changes to personal and family laws.

Major Provisions of Madhya Pradesh Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026

• Provides for monogamy across religious communities.
• Proposes prohibition of polygamy and nikah halala.
• Prescribes marriage age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
• Makes marriage registration compulsory.
• Provides equal inheritance and property rights for sons and daughters.
• Requires registration of live-in relationships within one month.
• Prescribes penalties for specified violations related to live-in relationships.

Triple talaq is already prohibited nationally under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.

Exemption for Tribal Communities

The draft provides exemptions for specified Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in protected areas.

The exemption seeks to safeguard:

• Customary laws and practices
• Traditional social structures
• Distinct cultural identities

The draft was reportedly prepared after an extensive public consultation process that received over 9.5 lakh suggestions.

Important Facts for Exams

• Article 44: Uniform Civil Code.
• It falls under Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy.
• DPSPs are non-justiciable under the Constitution.
• Article 37 states that DPSPs are fundamental in governance but are not enforceable by courts.
• Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement a UCC framework.
• Goa follows a common civil law framework derived from the Portuguese Civil Code.
• Triple talaq was addressed through the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.
• UCC primarily concerns civil/personal laws, including marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance.

Read More: Gujarat Unform Civil Code