Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026

The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly has officially passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, marking a significant legislative milestone in the state's legal framework. By becoming the fourth state in India to enact such legislation, Madhya Pradesh joins a growing list of states aiming to harmonize personal laws across diverse communities. The Bill seeks to replace disparate religious personal laws with a unified set of regulations governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Key provisions of the legislation include the mandatory registration of all marriages and live-in relationships, a move intended to provide legal protection and transparency to partners. The Bill explicitly bans polygamy and practices such as 'nikah halala', aiming to curb social practices that have historically been criticized for infringing upon the rights of women. Furthermore, the legislation establishes equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, aligning with the constitutional mandate of gender equality. To maintain social harmony and respect the diversity of India, the Bill includes specific exemptions for Scheduled Tribes and other communities that possess protected customary practices, ensuring that the legislation does not infringe upon the cultural identity of these groups.