West Bengal set to table Uniform Civil Code Bill: Here's what the proposed law could change
To pass the bill, BJP will need the support of a majority of MLAs present and voting, which is more than 50 per cent
West Bengal is all set to become the fourth state to introduce a bill on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the assembly. Other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states which have introduced the UCC bill include Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand. The UCC draft will be mailed to all MLAs before it is
West Bengal is all set to become the fourth state to introduce a bill on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the assembly. Other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states which have introduced the UCC bill include Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand. The UCC draft will be mailed to all MLAs before it is
West Bengal is all set to become the fourth state to introduce a bill on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the assembly. Other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states which have introduced the UCC bill include Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand. The UCC draft will be mailed to all MLAs before it is
West Bengal is all set to become the fourth state to introduce a bill on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the assembly. Other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states which have introduced the UCC bill include Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand. The UCC draft will be mailed to all MLAs before it is brought up for discussion on Monday.
“Uniform Civil Code will happen in Bengal. There is a procedure. I will speak in the assembly. A committee is set up by a sitting judge, like in Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand," said West Bengal CM, Suvendu Adhikari.
To pass the bill, BJP will need the support of a majority of MLAs present and voting, which is more than 50 per cent. In the current scenario in the 294 assembly, 207 are with the BJP, 65 are with the rebel bloc of the Trinamool Congress(TMC) led by Leader of Opposition, Ritabrata Banerjee. The Mamata Banerjee faction of TMC is a minority with 15 MLAs; other smaller parties together have 7 MLAs.
The UCC bill forms part of the BJP’s election manifesto with a promise to implement it within 6 months of coming to power. The other bill that will be tabled is the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Bill, 2026.
What is the UCC?
The UCC falls under Article 44 of the Constitution of India and is under the directive principle of state policy. Though it is not mandatory, state governments can follow the UCC as a guiding principle to promote equality, support national integration, bring gender parity and eradicate loopholes in laws of various religions.
The UCC bill, if implemented, will ensure a standard set of laws that are meant to be secular and applicable to all religions. The unified bill will include matters related to inheritance, marriage, adoption, succession, divorce, and maintenance.
Currently, there are different laws for Hindus, Muslims and other religions. The challenges of UCC are the diverse cultures in the country, states and union territories, including West Bengal, which has almost 30 per cent Muslim population. The UCC implemented in the state is likely to be similar to the Assam UCC Bill that was passed in May 2026.
What Does The Assam UCC Bill Say?
- The marriageable age for men is 21 and for women 18. All marriages are to be registered with the sub-registrar within 2 months of the date of marriage.
- UCC bill replaces the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act 2024.
- Marriage and divorce registrations to be done within 2 months.
- Prohibits bigamy and polygamy with up to 7 years of imprisonment for violations.
- Live-in relationships to be registered within a month. Violations would result in a 3-month prison term or a fine. Children born out of these unions will be considered legitimate. Women deserted by live-in partners can claim maintenance.
- Irrespective of religion, entitlement to gender-neutral and uniform succession rights to spouses, children, and parents.
- Tribal communities in Assam are exempt from UCC to preserve their customary laws.
The Mamata Banerjee faction of TMC has raised concerns over the BJP’s agenda. “Whether a UCC is being pursued through consensus, constitutional morality, and genuine concern or whether it is being used and weaponised as another instrument of political polarisation," mentioned a statement by TMC.
Further, TMC mentioned that India’s strength lies in combining equality with respect for diversity and that reform cannot be imposed but must be built through dialogue, trust, and constitutional values.
“We support the constitutional ideals of equality, dignity and justice for every citizen. No personal law should perpetuate discrimination. Our concern is with the intent of the BJP, the agenda of the BJP and the politics of the BJP. Whether the BJP is pursuing these ideals sincerely or using the Uniform Civil Code as a political instrument to deepen social divisions and polarise communities," read the official statement.
The TMC accuses the BJP of exploiting sensitive issues for political gain and not providing any assurance about its political agenda. “There must be greater consultation with all stakeholders, such as vulnerable groups and Adivasi communities.”
West Bengal public safety and control of anti-social activities Bill 2026
The BJP government will also table the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Bill on Monday to prevent rioting and damage to public property by anti-social elements. According to the bill, offenders can be subjected to up to 12 months of preventive detention and senior district and police officers can issue external orders.