Madhya Pradesh Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill; Mandatory Marriage Registration, Equal Inheritance Among Key Provisions

July 21, 2026 : The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill during the second day of the Monsoon Session, despite strong opposition protests. The legislation was approved by a majority vote and will now be sent to the Governor for assent. The Uniform Civil Code will come into effect after receiving the Governor’s approval.

The Bill triggered a heated debate in the Assembly, with Congress legislators demanding that it be referred to a select committee for detailed scrutiny. The state government rejected the proposal, prompting opposition MLAs to enter the well of the House and raise slogans. The repeated disruptions led to the adjournment of the proceedings twice before the Bill was eventually passed.

The newly approved legislation introduces a common civil framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and related personal matters in the state. It provides that polygamous marriages will not be legally recognised, and divorce can only be granted through a prescribed legal process.

The UCC also guarantees equal inheritance rights for both women and men, aiming to establish gender equality in matters of succession. Another significant provision makes it mandatory for couples in live-in relationships to register their relationship within one month. The law further requires compulsory registration of marriages, with the registration mechanism extending down to the village level to ensure wider compliance.

The legislation excludes tribal communities from its ambit, allowing them to continue to be governed by their existing customary laws and practices.

With the Assembly’s approval secured, the Bill now awaits the Governor’s assent before becoming law in Madhya Pradesh.