 Bill, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announcing){kind=link}
The proposed Uniform Civil Code Bill includes provisions on marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships, while exempting tribal communities.
July 19, 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Sunday approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announcing that it will be introduced in the state Assembly on July 20. The government said the proposed legislation aims to establish uniform laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships. Tribal communities, however, will remain exempt from its provisions.
Announcing the Cabinet’s decision, Yadav said the government received more than 9.58 lakh public suggestions on the proposed law, claiming that over 93 per cent supported its implementation. He also alleged that nearly 80 per cent of Muslim women and 40 per cent of Muslim men who participated in the consultation backed the UCC. The Chief Minister further claimed that while representatives from several political parties took part in discussions, the Congress chose not to participate.
The proposed Bill recognises only one valid marriage, prohibits second marriages, provides a legal framework for divorce and inheritance, and grants equal inheritance rights to women and men. It also mandates registration of live-in relationships within one month, with the minimum age fixed at 21 years for men and 18 years for women. According to Yadav, a married person entering a live-in relationship could face up to five years’ imprisonment under the proposed law. He added that marriage registration would be compulsory down to the village level and urged Opposition parties to support the legislation, saying it aims to eliminate discrimination and strengthen social harmony.