Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 23: The Maharashtra government has approved the formation of a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to prepare a framework for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
He said the government intends to introduce the UCC after the panel submits its report.
"The Maharashtra government is committed to implementing the Uniform Civil Code. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the formation of a committee under a retired High Court judge to draft the proposal. The UCC will be implemented once the committee submits its recommendations," Kadam said.
The announcement came while responding to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLA Devyani Farande, who raised concerns over reported instances of triple talaq in Nashik district.
Farande alleged that despite the Centre outlawing instant triple talaq, cases of harassment and abandonment continue to surface. She said she had received complaints from three Muslim women alleging threats, domestic violence and divorce pronouncements by their husbands.
She also questioned the state's position on polygamy, citing steps taken by other states and countries.
"Even Pakistan has imposed restrictions on polygamy. Assam has banned the practice. Will Maharashtra take similar action and implement the Uniform Civil Code on the lines of Uttarakhand and Gujarat?" she asked.
Responding to the query, Kadam said a ban on polygamy would be addressed as part of the Uniform Civil Code framework.
"The government is not against any religion or community. The Uniform Civil Code, when introduced, will apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of their faith," he said.
The discussion triggered sharp exchanges inside the Assembly after ruling NCP MLA Sana Malik challenged the focus solely on Muslim women.
She argued that violence against women was not confined to any one community and clarified that only instant triple talaq had been prohibited under existing law.
"I would like to point out that only instant talaq has been banned, not the broader concept of triple talaq. Also, violence against women is not restricted to one religion," Malik said.
Her remarks drew support from Opposition legislators, while BJP members asserted that governance must be guided by the Constitution rather than religious doctrines. The disagreement led to brief commotion and verbal exchanges between members of both sides.
Providing data to the House, Kadam said 42 cases related to triple talaq were registered in 2024, resulting in 152 arrests. In 2025, 39 cases have been registered so far, leading to 95 arrests.
"These figures indicate that the practice still exists and must be dealt with strictly under the law," he said, assuring prompt action against those found guilty.
The minister reiterated that the government's objective was to protect and support women across all communities and ensure equal treatment under the law.