Uniform Civil Code set for rollout across 21 Indian states by 2029

Home Minister Amit Shah said the government aims to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in 21 states before the end of the decade, marking a significant expansion of the long-debated legislative agenda. The announcement underscores the administration's commitment to harmonizing personal laws governing marriage, inheritance, and succession across Indian states.

Shah credited the government's recent overhaul of the criminal justice system for strengthening law enforcement capabilities. The introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the 160-year-old Indian Penal Code, has contributed to measurable improvements in criminal prosecution, the minister claimed. Several states have reportedly recorded a 30 per cent increase in conviction rates following the new code's adoption.

The Uniform Civil Code has remained contentious since India's independence, with proponents arguing it will ensure gender equality and simplify the legal framework, while critics contend it could undermine religious and cultural freedoms. A handful of states, including Goa and certain Union territories, already have elements of civil law uniformity in place.

The government's timeline suggests a phased approach to UCC implementation across the nation's 28 states and 8 Union territories. Officials are likely to engage with state governments and community stakeholders to address concerns about the legislation's scope and application across India's diverse cultural landscape.