- Rights of Women and Children to be Strengthened; No Interference with Religious Beliefs or Modes of Worship – Shri Shatrughnu Singh
- Open Discussion Held on Various Topics at Divisional-Level Consultation Meeting; Suggestions Can Also Be Submitted Online Until October 30
To ensure the participation of citizens and various organizations in the process of drafting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for Chhattisgarh, a divisional-level group discussion and consultation meeting was held today in Bilaspur. The meeting, organized at the Devki Nandan Dixit Auditorium on the premises of the Lal Bahadur Shastri School, saw representatives from diverse social, religious, and political organizations—as well as various other sections of society—from eight districts present their views and suggestions. Detailed discussions took place on sensitive subjects such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption, and live-in relationships.
Representatives from the eight districts of the Bilaspur division presented their suggestions to the High-Level Committee on the Uniform Civil Code, constituted by the State Government. The committee members and officials present included retired IAS officer Shri Shatrughnu Singh and Shri M.K. Raut; senior advocate Shri Mohan Pawar; retired principal Smt. Jyoti Rani Singh; Raipur Divisional Commissioner and Committee Secretary Shri Shyam Dhawade; and Bilaspur Divisional Commissioner Shri Sunil Jain.
- Emphasis on Equality in Family Laws and Protection of Rights
Committee member Shri Shatrughnu Singh shed light on the background and necessity of the Uniform Civil Code. He noted that there are currently more than two dozen laws and provisions in force concerning family matters, which contain numerous discrepancies. The objective behind the Uniform Civil Code is to promote equality in these areas and to further strengthen the rights of women and children.
Referring to Article 44 of the Constitution, committee member Shri Shatrughnu Singh pointed out that the Supreme Court, in several of its judgments, has also underscored the need for a Uniform Civil Code. It was clarified that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would not interfere with the worship practices, religious beliefs, or customs of any religion. Its scope pertains to civil and family matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance. It was explained that the draft of the Code would be prepared based on suggestions received from various sections of society and an analysis of existing legal frameworks.
- Discussion on Arguments For and Against, Traditions, and Legal Reforms
Representatives from the districts of Bilaspur, Mungeli, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Janjgir-Champa, Korba, Raigarh, Sakti, and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh participated in the consultation meeting. Office-bearers of social, religious, and political organizations, along with academicians, prominent citizens, and representatives of social groups, openly shared their views—both in favor of and against the Uniform Civil Code. The discussion covered various aspects related to traditional social beliefs, the customs of different communities, and modern legal reforms. Members of the committee assured that all suggestions would be studied before the draft is prepared.
The committee is examining the current legal landscape in Chhattisgarh as well as the systems in place in other states. Based on the suggestions received from citizens, social organizations, legal experts, and other stakeholders—along with a thorough legal analysis—a draft of the Code will be submitted to the State Government, accompanied by necessary legislative and administrative recommendations.
- Suggestions Can Also Be Submitted via Website and E-mail Until October 30
During the meeting, the concept of the Uniform Civil Code and its key components were presented using a PowerPoint presentation. Citizens and organizations may submit their suggestions through the official website, “ucc.cgstate.gov.in” (http://ucc.cgstate.gov.in), until October 30. Additionally, an e-mail address—ucc-chhattisgarh@cg.gov.in—has been provided for the submission of suggestions. Present on this occasion were Mr. Nilesh Rajak (President, Rajak Samaj), Mr. Shashank Chauhan (President, Maratha Samaj), Mr. Ramesh Jaiswal (President, Jaiswal Samaj), Mr. Yashwant Yadav (President, Yadav Samaj), Mr. Murjata Vanak (representing the Muslim community), Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sharma (President, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), Mr. Lalit Sahu (from the Sahu community), Rajmahant Mr. Dasoram Khande, prominent citizen Mr. Sudhir Khandelwal, social worker and journalist Habib Menon, Mr. Mahendra Jain (from Vande Mataram Mitra Mandal, Bilaspur), Advocate Nasimuddin Ansari (Bilaspur), Mr. Shyam (President, Adivasi Gondwana Samaj), Mr. Vishnu Soni (Alderman, Bilaspur), educationist Suryakumar Khunte (Korba), Mr. Vikas Sharma (Janjgir), Mr. Vedprakash Agrawal (Bilaspur), and former MLA (Bilaspur district) Mr. Chandraprakash Bajpai, along with a large number of representatives from various social organizations, legal experts, and citizens.