Raipur, October 2026/ To ensure the participation of citizens and various organizations in the drafting of a Uniform Civil Code in Chhattisgarh, a division-level group discussion and consultation meeting was held in Bilaspur today. Held at the Devaki Nandan Dixit Auditorium on the Lal Bahadur Shastri School campus, representatives from various sectors, including social, religious, and political organizations from eight districts, offered their views and suggestions. Sensitive topics such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption, and live-in relationships were discussed in detail.

In the meeting, representatives from eight districts of Bilaspur division presented their suggestions for drafting the Uniform Civil Code before the members of the high-level committee constituted by the state government and retired Indian Administrative Service officers Shatrughan Singh and M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mohan Pawar, retired principal Mrs. Jyoti Rani Singh, Raipur divisional commissioner and committee secretary Shyam Dhavade and Bilaspur divisional commissioner Sunil Jain.

Emphasis on equality and protection of rights in family laws

Committee member Shatrughan Singh elaborated on the background and need for a Uniform Civil Code. He explained that currently, there are more than two dozen laws and provisions related to family matters, which have many variations. The purpose of considering a Uniform Civil Code is to promote equality in these matters and strengthen the rights of women and children.

Committee member Shatrughan Singh, citing Article 44 of the Constitution, said that the Supreme Court has also underlined the need for a Uniform Civil Code in various decisions. He clarified that the Uniform Civil Code will not interfere with the worship practices, religious beliefs, and customs of any religion. It relates to civil and family matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance. He explained that the draft of the Code will be prepared based on suggestions received from various quarters and a study of current legal systems.

Discussion on pros and cons, traditions and legal reforms

Representatives from Bilaspur, Mungeli, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Janjgir-Champa, Korba, Raigarh, Sakti, and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh districts participated in the consultation meeting. Officials from social, religious, and political organizations, academics, prominent citizens, and representatives of social organizations openly expressed their views for and against the Uniform Civil Code. During the discussion, numerous aspects related to traditional social beliefs, customs of various communities, and modern legal reforms emerged. Committee members assured that a draft will be prepared after studying all suggestions.

The committee is studying the current legal situation in Chhattisgarh as well as the systems prevalent in other states. Based on the legal study and suggestions from citizens, social organizations, legal experts, and other stakeholders, a draft code will be presented to the state government. Necessary legislative and administrative recommendations will also be made.