Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before 2029.
Shah made the statement on September 13, 2026, while addressing reporters in Mumbai. He said the UCC has already been introduced in several states and expressed confidence that the remaining NDA-ruled states would also move towards implementing it before the next Lok Sabha election.
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
- The Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of civil or personal laws for citizens, irrespective of their religion. It can cover areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
- Article 44 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavour to secure a uniform civil code for citizens across India.
- The issue has remained politically and socially debated for decades, with supporters arguing that common civil laws can promote equality and legal uniformity, while critics have raised concerns about religious freedom, cultural diversity and the impact on existing personal laws.
UCC Already Implemented in Some States
- Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to enact and implement a comprehensive UCC law in 2025. Other BJP-ruled states have also taken steps towards introducing similar legislation.
- According to reports, Gujarat and Assam have moved forward with UCC related initiatives, while Madhya Pradesh has also taken steps towards preparing its framework.
Shah Highlights Government Reforms
- During his Mumbai press conference, Shah also highlighted several major decisions taken by the BJP-led government over the past years.
- He referred to the abolition of triple talaq, the abrogation of Article 370, changes to India’s criminal justice laws and the government’s stated zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and Naxalism.
- Shah also referred to Operation Sindoor and other security operations while discussing the government’s approach to national security.
UCC Target Before 2029
- The next Lok Sabha election is scheduled for 2029. Shah’s statement therefore sets a political target for UCC implementation across all 21 states currently governed by the BJP or its NDA allies.
- However, implementation in each state would require the necessary legislative and administrative processes. The exact timeline and provisions could vary from one state to another.
- The UCC remains one of the BJP’s longstanding policy objectives and was also included in the party’s 2024 election manifesto.
- For now, Shah’s announcement represents a clear indication that the NDA intends to significantly expand UCC implementation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
