West Bengal Government Likely to Table Uniform Civil Code Bill in Assembly on Monday

MP, June 26, 2026, Kolkata: The Bengal government is likely to table the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the West Bengal Assembly on Monday, taking a major step toward fulfilling one of its key Assembly poll commitments.

The proposed UCC aims to establish a common legal framework for all citizens, regardless of religion, in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and succession, replacing faith-based personal laws.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also assured, while releasing the party's election manifesto, or 'Sankalp Patra', that the UCC would be introduced within six months of the BJP assuming power in West Bengal.

If passed, Bengal would follow states such as Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam in adopting measures aimed at establishing a common set of personal laws across communities.

Uttarakhand had led from the front by passing the UCC Bill in February 2024.

Gujarat adopted a similar law in March 2026, followed by Assam in May.

The objective is to create common civil laws governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships across communities.

The Bengal government is also introducing the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, at the state Assembly on Monday, allowing the provision for preventive detention of a person identified as a threat to public safety for up to one year.

The government would also be empowered to attach or confiscate the property of persons accused of such activities by applying relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Alongside it, the government is expected to introduce an amendment to the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act, 1972, which would enable authorities to recover compensation from those accused of damaging or destroying public and private property during protests, demonstrations or agitations.

The Bill defines organised anti-social activity as conduct that could endanger public life, create a threat to life or property, or obstruct lawful business and professional activities.

Illegal extraction of natural resources, looting of forest resources and damage to government property have also been included in the definition.

Under the proposed law, a person may be classified as a "goonda" if they are involved in anti-social activities, are members or leaders of such groups, or face charges under Sections 111 and 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to organised crime.

Persons accused under laws related to arms, narcotics, human trafficking and explosives, as well as those assisting such offenders, may also fall within the scope of the legislation.

The Bill further covers persons considered dangerous to society.

The state government may issue detention orders on the basis of reports submitted by a Superintendent of Police or a senior-ranking police officer.

If a Police Commissioner or District Magistrate orders detention, the supporting evidence must be immediately forwarded to the state Director General of Police.

In urgent cases, government approval must be secured within 15 days.

If a person identified for detention absconds, the police may approach a court seeking an order requiring the accused to appear within a specified period.

If the person fails to appear, the court may issue a warrant, following which their property may be attached.

The government will establish an Advisory Board to examine whether detention orders are justified.

The amendment Bill proposes the creation of a Claims Commission to assess compensation for damage to public or private property.

The Claims Commissioner will be an officer of the rank of Additional District Magistrate or above.

Claims will be examined under the supervision of a judicial officer of district judge rank, after which compensation will be determined and recovered from those accused in the incident.