The government has taken a step forward towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Maharashtra. The committee formed for this purpose launched its website on Thursday. Through this website, suggestions have been sought from the public and organizations. 37 questions have been asked on issues such as marriage, divorce, property sharing, second marriage, and live-in relationships. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the UCC bill will be introduced in the winter session of the Legislative Assembly in December.
The committee has asked the public whether the UCC should be implemented in Maharashtra now? Can a law be enacted that still allows people to practice their religion? Will uniform rules reduce legal disputes and facilitate case resolution? Three options have been given for answering these questions: yes, no, and no comment. There are also many questions regarding marriage. For example, should a person who is already married be allowed to marry again? Should religious customs and traditional practices in marriage continue as before? Furthermore, public opinion has been sought on establishing uniform rules for what relationships are not permitted to marry.
The committee has also asked questions regarding live-in relationships, i.e., couples living together without marriage. It sought to know whether such relationships should be required to be registered in government records. It also asked whether, if one partner leaves the other, the abandoned partner should be legally entitled to financial assistance, such as alimony and property rights? Women’s rights have also been addressed. Furthermore, opinions have been sought on issues such as second marriage, the practice of polygamy, and Halala in the Muslim community. These questions do not imply that the government has made any final decisions on these matters.