Mohan Yadav Comments On Marriage Rules During Uniform Civil Code Discussion

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that the state government will introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill during the upcoming Monsoon Session of the State Assembly, proposing a uniform legal framework for all citizens. Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of a Sandipani School in Katni district, Yadav said the proposed legislation would legally recognise only one marriage and asserted that the law was intended to ensure equality before the law. He added that the proposal would first be placed before the state Cabinet for approval before being introduced in the Assembly.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister questioned the existence of different personal laws for different religious communities, arguing that a single legal framework should apply to everyone. Referring to the proposed UCC, he said only individuals with one legally recognised marriage would have the legal right to reside in Madhya Pradesh. Yadav also stated that the practice of instant triple talaq no longer has any place in the country's legal system and reiterated that the proposed legislation aims to eliminate legal discrimination among citizens, regardless of religion.

The Chief Minister said the draft Bill would be taken up for approval at the next Cabinet meeting, scheduled to be held in Jagdishpur, Bhopal, before being tabled in the Assembly. He also criticised the Congress, alleging that the party had created divisions among citizens on religious lines. The proposed UCC is expected to be one of the key legislative measures during the Monsoon Session and comes amid ongoing national discussions over the implementation of a common civil law governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

Also Read: West Bengal Committee To Review Draft Uniform Civil Code Bill

The announcement drew criticism from the opposition Congress. Party spokesperson Abbas Hafeez objected to the Chief Minister's comparison involving the names "Ram" and "Rahim," stating that both hold deep religious significance and should not be used in political discourse. Hafeez also questioned whether the proposed law would apply uniformly to all communities, including certain tribal groups that are permitted polygamy under existing constitutional and legal provisions. He urged the government to clarify the scope of the proposed legislation before introducing it.

The Uniform Civil Code has remained a subject of legal and political debate in India, with supporters arguing that it would ensure equal civil laws for all citizens, while critics contend that it must carefully balance constitutional guarantees, religious freedom, and the rights of various communities. The Madhya Pradesh government's proposed Bill is expected to generate extensive discussion both inside and outside the Assembly as stakeholders examine its legal provisions, constitutional implications, and potential impact on different sections of society.

Also Read: West Bengal Committee To Review Draft Uniform Civil Code Bill