West Bengal to Table Uniform Civil Code Bill

West Bengal is set to table a Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly on June 29, 2026, during the Budget Session. The proposed law seeks a common civil code for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion.

Uniform Civil Code in India

Article 44 of the Constitution of India places the Uniform Civil Code among the Directive Principles of State Policy. Personal laws in India presently cover matters such as marriage, divorce, succession and adoption for different religious communities.

Key Features of the Proposed Bill

The draft Bill is reported to include uniform rules on inheritance rights, a ban on polygamy, invalidation of child marriages and mandatory registration of live-in relationships. Similar provisions have been associated with UCC-related laws in states such as Uttarakhand, Assam and Gujarat.

State-Level Context

West Bengal would become the fourth state to implement a Uniform Civil Code after Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam if the Bill is passed. The state has a large Muslim population and a mixed personal law framework for different communities.

Important Facts for Exams

• Article 44 of the Constitution mentions a Uniform Civil Code as a Directive Principle of State Policy.
• Personal laws in India deal with marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
• Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam are the states linked with UCC-related implementation.
• Live-in relationship registration has been included in some UCC-related draft provisions in India.

Political Background

The BJP had promised a Uniform Civil Code in its 2026 Assembly election manifesto and linked implementation to a six-month timeline after assuming office. The Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee have opposed the UCC in West Bengal on multiple occasions.