MP Assembly passes UCC amid Opposition uproar

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after a stormy debate marked by sharp Opposition protests, repeated disruptions and two adjournments of the House. The legislation was cleared on the second day of the Monsoon Session, with the ruling BJP using its majority to secure the Bill’s passage despite persistent objections from the Congress.

The Government introduced the UCC Bill for discussion soon after the House assembled. However, proceedings turned contentious almost immediately, with the Congress strongly opposing the move and demanding that the proposed legislation be referred to a Select Committee for detailed examination before being taken up for consideration.

Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, argued that a law of such significance required wider consultation and legislative scrutiny. He urged the Government to send the Bill to a Select Committee to allow lawmakers and stakeholders to examine its provisions in detail. The State Government, however, rejected the demand, maintaining that the legislation was ready for consideration and passage in the Assembly.

Following the Government’s refusal, Congress legislators intensified their protest by entering the well of the House and raising slogans against the ruling party. Members of the Opposition accused the Government of attempting to rush the legislation without adequate discussion or consensus. BJP legislators and ministers defended the Government’s decision, insisting that the Bill should be debated and passed without delay. They maintained that the legislation fulfilled a long-standing commitment and did not require any further legislative scrutiny.

As noisy scenes continued, Assembly Speaker, Narendra Singh Tomar appealed to members to maintain order. With disruptions showing no signs of subsiding, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes. Even after proceedings resumed, the protests continued, forcing the Chair to announce another adjournment of 15 minutes.

When the House reconvened, Congress MLA Bala Bachchan questioned the Government’s intent behind introducing the legislation in its present form. Opposition leaders, including Umang Singhar, Atif Aqueel and Arif Masood, criticised the Bill, describing it as politically motivated. They argued that the Government was using the legislation to further its political agenda rather than addressing pressing issues affecting the State.

The Congress also invoked Article 29 of the Constitution, which protects the cultural and educational rights of minorities. Opposition members contended that the proposed law required broader consultations to ensure that constitutional safeguards and the interests of different communities were adequately protected.

Despite the Opposition’s continued protests and objections, the Government proceeded with the legislative process. Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar continued the proceedings amid the disruptions and declared the Bill passed by the Assembly. With the Assembly’s approval secured, the Uniform Civil Code Bill will now be sent to the Governor for assent. Once the Governor grants approval, the legislation will be notified in the Official Gazette, after which it will come into force in Madhya Pradesh. According to the Government’s roadmap, the law is expected to be implemented later this month.