West Bengal UCC Bill Bound To Be Passed, Says Minister Dilip Ghosh

The political debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in West Bengal gathered momentum on Sunday after state minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that the proposed legislation is certain to be passed in the state assembly, signalling the government's continued commitment to introducing a common civil law framework in the state.

Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said the passage of the UCC Bill was only a matter of time and procedure, noting that several other states have already enacted similar legislation. “The UCC bill is bound to be passed. It has been passed in many states, and the process has begun here as well. It is up to the government to decide the next steps, when the bill will be introduced and what will happen,” he said.

The statement comes amid growing political discussion surrounding the proposed legislation, which has emerged as one of the key policy priorities of the state government. The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a common set of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and succession, irrespective of religion. Supporters argue that such a framework promotes equality before law and legal uniformity, while critics contend that it may affect the autonomy of religious communities and their personal laws.

The latest remarks follow an announcement made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday, when he declared that the Uniform Civil Code would be implemented in West Bengal following models adopted by Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Assam. Adhikari also stated that a committee headed by a sitting inquiry authority had already been constituted to examine the modalities of implementation and recommend a framework suited to the state.

The chief minister's announcement formed part of a broader policy agenda that also included proposals relating to religious conversion laws and citizenship-related measures. However, the prospect of introducing the Uniform Civil Code has drawn particular attention because of its legal and constitutional significance and its potential impact on personal law systems currently applicable to different religious communities.

Adding to the political momentum, West Bengal minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay stated on Saturday that the government intended to introduce the UCC Bill in the state assembly on June 29. According to him, the proposal reflects a commitment that had already been made to voters during the election campaign.

“We had clearly stated our position on the UCC in our manifesto. On the 29th, we will introduce the UCC in the Bengal Legislative Assembly, pass it, and ensure Bengal joins the club of states that have enacted the UCC,” Chattopadhyay said.

The issue had also featured prominently during the election campaign, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterating the party's commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code after securing a majority in the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The proposal was presented as part of a broader governance and legal reform agenda.

The developments in West Bengal come against the backdrop of similar legislative initiatives in other states. Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to pass a Uniform Civil Code law in February 2024. Gujarat followed with its own legislation in March 2026, while Assam enacted a similar framework in May 2026. These enactments have increasingly been cited by political leaders advocating for a nationwide expansion of the policy.

The discussion is not limited to West Bengal. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has indicated that his government is considering introducing a UCC Bill during the forthcoming monsoon session of the state legislature. In Maharashtra, the government has proposed the formation of a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to study the implications of implementing such a law before taking a final decision.

With senior ministers publicly backing the proposal and the government reiterating its legislative intent, the Uniform Civil Code is likely to remain at the centre of political and legal discussions in West Bengal in the coming weeks.

Inputs from ANI