Samajwadi Party MLA Urges Muslim Inclusion In UCC Committee

On July 9, 2026, Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh from Bhiwandi East urged the Maharashtra government to include Muslims in the committee drafting the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

This request comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a seven-member committee to prepare the UCC draft in the Legislative Assembly. Shaikh emphasized the need for the committee to reflect Maharashtra's social and religious diversity.

Minorities account for nearly 20% of Maharashtra's population, with six recognized communities: Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, and Parsis. Muslims are the largest minority community, making up around 11% of the state's population.

Shaikh expressed concern that the current committee does not include a single Muslim representative. He argued that the Muslim community is most closely associated with the UCC and has considerable concerns and apprehensions about the proposed law.

The MLA believes it is essential for the Muslim community to have representation on the committee. He argued that the state government should not proceed with this significant legislative exercise without taking minority communities into confidence.

Shaikh plans to meet with Fadnavis soon to press for the inclusion of a Muslim representative on the committee. He suggested that the committee, headed by former Justice Ranjana Desai, should be reconstituted to include a representative from the Muslim community.

The demand for representation highlights the importance of considering the concerns and needs of all communities in Maharashtra, particularly when it comes to significant legislative changes like the UCC.

The Uniform Civil Code is a proposed law that aims to unify the personal laws of all citizens in India, regardless of their religion. The code has been a topic of debate and discussion in the country, with some arguing that it is necessary for promoting unity and equality, while others express concerns about its potential impact on minority communities.

In Maharashtra, the UCC drafting committee is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the state's approach to the proposed law. The committee's composition and representation will be closely watched, particularly by minority communities who may be affected by the UCC.

As the debate around the UCC continues, it is likely that there will be more discussions and demands for representation and inclusion from various communities in Maharashtra. The state government's response to these demands will be important in determining the trajectory of the UCC in the state.

The issue of representation on the UCC drafting committee is not just about numbers; it is about ensuring that the concerns and needs of all communities are taken into account. By including representatives from minority communities, the committee can ensure that the UCC is drafted in a way that is fair and equitable for all citizens of Maharashtra.

In conclusion, the demand for Muslim inclusion in the UCC drafting committee highlights the importance of representation and inclusion in the legislative process. It is essential for the state government to consider the concerns and needs of all communities in Maharashtra, particularly when it comes to significant legislative changes like the UCC.

The outcome of this demand will be closely watched, and it is likely to have significant implications for the future of the UCC in Maharashtra. As the state government moves forward with the drafting of the UCC, it is crucial that they prioritize representation, inclusion, and fairness to ensure that the proposed law promotes unity and equality for all citizens.

The UCC drafting committee's composition and representation will play a crucial role in shaping the state's approach to the proposed law. The committee's ability to consider the concerns and needs of all communities will be essential in determining the success of the UCC in Maharashtra.

Ultimately, the UCC is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful consideration and consultation with all stakeholders. The state government's approach to the UCC will be closely watched, and it is likely that there will be more demands for representation and inclusion from various communities in Maharashtra.