Madhya Pradesh became fourth state after Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam to pass a UCC law.

• UCC refers to a uniform system of personal laws applicable to all irrespective of religion, covering matters like marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance etc. 

Key Provisions of Bill

• Marriage and Divorce: Bans polygamy, criminalises practices such as triple talaq and nikah halala, mandating formal registration for all marriages and divorces. 
• Inheritance: Grants equal property and inheritance rights to men and women.
• Live-in Relationships: Registration within one month is mandatory; married individuals entering live-in relationships face up to five years of imprisonment and fine.
  • Children born out of live-in relationships will be considered legitimate and entitled to full inheritance rights.
• Tribal Exemption: Scheduled Tribes protected under Articles 342 and 366(25) are excluded to preserve their traditional customs.

Need for UCC

• Constitutional Mandate: Legislation fulfills Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 44 to secure a unified civil legal framework.
• Gender Justice: It liberates women from retrograde marital practices, ensuring social empowerment and equal legal footing across all communities.
• National Integration: Standardizing civil laws fosters social harmony, directly aligning with vision of 'One Nation, One Constitution'.