Overview
- Following Monday night’s order, the government set up a high-level committee to study a Uniform Civil Code and deliver a draft bill with a detailed report in 60 days.
- Former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prasad Desai will chair the panel, which includes a retired IAS officer, a legal expert, an academic, a social worker and a senior state official as secretary.
- The mandate covers marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption and live-in relationships, and it requires public hearings and a review of models used in Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
- The panel must suggest safeguards for women and children and propose clear rules for registering and regulating live-in relationships to avoid future legal disputes.
- Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has asked for a draft within six months with a rollout targeted by Diwali 2026, while tribal groups warn of protests and legal challenges under Fifth Schedule and PESA protections; officials say any bill would go to the cabinet before the Assembly.