State govts taking steps towards UCC implementation based on Constitution: Union minister

Indore (MP), Union minister George Kurian on Thursday said some state governments were taking steps towards the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as per the constitutional provisions.

"Our Constitution speaks about it (UCC), so they are taking steps based on the Constitution," the Minister of State for Minority Affairs told reporters in response to a query.

Earlier, Kurian attended a national seminar organised by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on "Contribution of Jain Community in Indian Economy, Education and Philanthropy".


He said the Jain community had made significant contributions to the country's development and economy and the government would extend all possible support to further enhance it.

Madhya Pradesh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Chaitanya Kumar Kashyap and NCM secretary Alka Upadhyay were also present at the seminar.

The BJP government in Uttarakhand enforced the UCC in that state in January 2025.

The Gujarat legislative assembly passed the UCC Bill last month, becoming the second state to adopt it. The bill mandates a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, and inheritance across all religions, prohibits polygamy, and mandates registration of live-in relationships.

Earlier this month, the Chhattisgarh cabinet decided to constitute a high-level committee, headed by a retired judge, to prepare a draft of the UCC for its implementation in the state with the aim of "simplifying laws to promote religious and gender equality".

During a cabinet meeting held earlier this month, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed ministers to study the UCC before its implementation in the state.