MP Cabinet Approves UCC Bill: 5-Year Jail for Married Persons in Live-in Relationships

Cabinet Clears Draft UCC Bill

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet on Sunday approved the draft of the state's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, setting the stage for a legislative push in the upcoming monsoon session of the state assembly. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired the cabinet meeting that gave the green light to the proposed law.

The bill seeks to bring uniform personal laws for all citizens, regardless of religion, in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. The state government has called the move a step toward ensuring equal rights for all communities.

Strict Provisions for Live-in Relationships

A key provision in the draft bill targets married individuals who enter live-in relationships. The proposed law makes this a punishable offense, with a jail term of up to five years and a fine. The provision is meant to discourage bigamous relationships under the guise of live-in arrangements.

The bill also mandates the compulsory registration of all live-in relationships. Failure to register could attract penalties. The government has argued that this will provide legal protection to women and children born out of such relationships.

Ban on Polygamy and Nikah Halala

The draft UCC explicitly prohibits polygamy and the practice of nikah halala, bringing them in line with the uniform code. Polygamy, which is currently permitted under Muslim personal law for men, will no longer be legally valid in the state if the bill becomes law.

Nikah halala, a practice where a divorced woman must marry and consummate marriage with another man before she can remarry her former husband, has also been outlawed. The state government has framed these provisions as measures to ensure gender justice and equality.

ST Communities Exempted; Government Cites 'Respect for Diversity'

The cabinet has decided to exempt Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities from the purview of the UCC. Officials said the decision was taken to respect the distinct customs and traditions of tribal communities across the state.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the government is committed to balancing uniform laws with cultural sensitivities. He said the exemption for STs is in line with the approach taken by the central government in other uniform codes.

What CM Mohan Yadav Said

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, CM Yadav said the bill ensures 'equal rights for Ram, Rahim, Ravinder, and Robin'. He stressed that the UCC is not about targeting any particular community but about establishing a common legal framework for all citizens.

Yadav added that the bill has been drafted after extensive consultation with legal experts and community leaders. He expressed confidence that the bill will be passed smoothly in the assembly session.

The opposition has yet to react formally to the draft bill. Some political parties have previously expressed concerns about the timing and potential impact of the UCC on minority communities. The state government has said it is open to debate on the floor of the house.

The monsoon session of the Madhya Pradesh assembly is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The UCC bill will be tabled for discussion and voting. All eyes are now on the legislative process and the political response it will generate.