Bengal Cabinet Approves UCC Review Committee, Bill Likely in Assembly Next Month

West Bengal's push to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has gathered pace after the state Cabinet approved the formation of an expert committee to examine the draft legislation, paving the way for what could become the BJP government's first major ideological reform since assuming power in the state.

The committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai , has been given four weeks to study the draft West Bengal Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill and submit its recommendations. Once the review is complete, the government is expected to place the Bill before the West Bengal Assembly during the extended Budget Session in August .

Announcing the Cabinet's decision, state minister Agnimitra Paul said the panel would carefully scrutinise the proposed legislation before it reaches the legislature. The move follows Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's announcement earlier this week that the government would move ahead with a state specific UCC , fulfilling one of the BJP's key promises made during the 2026 Assembly elections .

The proposed legislation aims to establish a common civil framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession and adoption , replacing religion based personal laws in these areas with a uniform legal structure . At the same time, the draft seeks to retain constitutional safeguards available to exempted categories.

If enacted, West Bengal would become the fourth state in the country to move towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code , adding fresh momentum to a debate that has remained politically and constitutionally significant for decades.

The BJP has consistently projected the proposal as a reform centred on equality before the law and equal civil rights for all citizens rather than a religion based initiative. The government has also moved faster than promised, bringing forward the process well before the six month timeline mentioned in the party's election manifesto. During the election campaign, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had pledged that a BJP government would implement a UCC in West Bengal within six months of taking office.

Addressing concerns raised by tribal communities, state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya clarified that Scheduled Tribes recognised under constitutional provisions would remain outside the scope of the proposed law. He also dismissed speculation that the legislation had any connection with population control measures , saying no such provisions were part of the draft.

While the BJP describes the initiative as a landmark governance reform , the proposal has triggered a strong political response from the opposition.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed party leaders to strongly oppose the Bill both inside and outside the Assembly. According to the TMC, any reform involving personal laws across communities requires wider public consultation and social consensus before being enacted.

Senior TMC leaders have questioned both the timing and intent of the legislation. Party MLA Kunal Ghosh argued that the key issue is whether the UCC is genuinely intended to uphold constitutional values and public welfare or whether it is being used for political polarisation . Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee also called for extensive public discussion before introducing a law that directly affects family and personal rights .

Political observers believe the upcoming Assembly session is likely to witness an intense debate. The ruling BJP is expected to present the Bill as a step towards legal uniformity, gender justice and equal rights , while the opposition is likely to raise concerns over constitutional safeguards, minority rights and India's diverse social fabric .

With the Justice Desai Committee beginning its review, the focus now shifts from political promises to legislative scrutiny . The coming weeks are expected to shape one of the most significant legal and political debates in West Bengal , with implications extending far beyond the state's borders.