West Bengal to adopt UCC, enact love jihad law within six months

West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the state will implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and enact laws against love jihad within the next six months, signalling a significant shift in the state's legislative agenda.

The announcement underscores growing momentum across Indian states to adopt uniform civil laws applicable to all citizens regardless of religion. The proposed UCC would aim to standardise personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession across communities.

Adhikari's statement also indicates the government's intent to introduce legislation addressing forced religious conversions, a measure several states have pursued to combat what they characterise as "love jihad"—allegations that members of certain religious groups deliberately target women from other faiths for conversion through marriage.

The proposed legal framework represents a continuation of policy shifts seen in other states, though implementation details and the specific provisions of West Bengal's UCC and conversion law remain to be formally detailed. The government's six-month timeline suggests legislative action could begin soon, pending formal drafting and cabinet approval.

These measures are expected to form part of broader governance initiatives by the state administration and will likely face scrutiny from civil liberties advocates and religious minorities regarding potential constitutional implications and implementation mechanisms.