Culture

UCC report within 2-3 months, if necessary, call the assembly even at midnight to pass the bill: Shuvendu Adhikari

• By A Correspondent, Kolkata
• October 13, 2026
• 1305

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has said that preparations for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state are progressing at a fast pace. Responding to questions from journalists, he said that the work of the special commission formed to examine the UCC draft is progressing very quickly and they will submit the final report within the next two to three months. 

The Chief Minister said that as soon as the report is received, the state government will call a special assembly session to pass the bill. Explaining the priority the government is giving to the issue, he said, "If necessary, the assembly session will be called even at midnight to pass the UCC bill."

The Chief Minister said that the outline of the implementation of Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal is being prepared following the model of Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The main objective of this law will be to create a uniform legal framework for all citizens of the state, irrespective of religion or caste, in family matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption. However, it has been made clear at the outset that Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi) and some ancient tribal communities will be kept out of the ambit of this law.

The next big step of the government after the implementation of the UCC is going to be the enactment of strict laws to prevent religious conversions. According to Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari, currently there is no specific law to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions in West Bengal. Therefore, after the passage of the UCC Bill, the state government will move towards introducing a separate and strict anti-religious conversion bill in the Assembly.

The high-level expert committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai held an important meeting at Writers Buildings on Monday. Sources said that the committee has already finalised a questionnaire to seek the views of the general public. The questionnaire will be published in newspapers and on the government website soon to seek the views and suggestions of the general public. The general public can also send their views through email or direct mail.

Incidentally, the implementation of UCC was one of the BJP's main election promises ever since it won the 2026 assembly elections and formed the government in the state.