University vice-chancellors call for district-level surveys, expert research and wider public consultation to make proposed Uniform Civil Code inclusive and grounded in local realities
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 7, 2026: The process of drafting a proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for Chhattisgarh has gathered pace, with the state government’s UCC Committee intensifying consultations with legal experts, academicians and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed framework is practical, inclusive and responsive to the needs of people.
At a high-level consultation convened by the UCC Drafting Committee, vice-chancellors of leading universities discussed sensitive issues including marriage, divorce, inheritance and maintenance. The deliberations covered traditional social practices as well as the need for contemporary legal reforms.
The meeting was attended by retired IAS officer M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mohan Pawar and retired principal Jyoti Rani Singh, who are members of the committee.
HNLU Offers Legal and Technical Support
Professor Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor of Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), made a detailed presentation on various aspects of the proposed UCC. He assured the committee of HNLU’s willingness to provide technical and legal expertise in preparing a robust, impartial and equitable draft.
He explained that the UCC seeks to establish uniform legal provisions for citizens, irrespective of religion, caste or gender, in areas such as marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance. He emphasised that ensuring equal rights and access to justice, particularly for women, should remain an important consideration in the drafting process.
Call for Ground-Level Survey Across State
Professor Sachchidanand Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, stressed the importance of incorporating research-based inputs from experts in sociology, anthropology and law.
He suggested conducting comprehensive ground-level surveys across all districts of Chhattisgarh to understand existing social practices and obtain direct feedback from citizens. Such an exercise, he said, would help ensure that the proposed legal framework reflects the state’s social realities and public aspirations.
Professor Manoj Dayal, Vice-Chancellor of Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism and Mass Communication, also offered suggestions during the deliberations.
Committee Assures Consideration of Suggestions
The UCC Committee members welcomed the recommendations put forward by the academic community and assured participants that suggestions based on public consultation, academic research and legal considerations would receive priority during the drafting process.
The committee said inputs from universities, researchers, legal experts and citizens would help create a balanced framework while taking into account the diverse social realities of Chhattisgarh.
