Tribal and Women’s Representatives Submit Key Suggestions on Marriage, Divorce, Maintenance and Inheritance
Published on: September 01, 2026
By: BTNI
Location- Raipur, India
The process of drafting an inclusive framework for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Chhattisgarh has gained momentum, with representatives from tribal communities, women’s rights bodies and other social institutions placing their views before the state’s UCC committee in Raipur on Tuesday.
A detailed consultation was held at the New Circuit House in the state capital, where representatives of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj, the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Women, the State Commission for Scheduled Tribes and the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation discussed several sensitive issues related to marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance and property rights.
The UCC committee members, including retired IAS officer M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mohan Pawar, retired officer Jyoti Rani Singh and Member Secretary Shyam Dhawade, heard the suggestions and assured participants that Chhattisgarh’s distinct cultural identity, traditional practices and social fabric would be given due consideration while preparing the proposed framework.
Tribal Communities Seek Protection of Traditional Customs
Representatives of major tribal communities, including Kanwar, Gond, Baiga and Oraon, highlighted the importance of protecting their centuries-old customary practices, traditions and cultural identity under any proposed legal framework.
During the consultation, representatives also raised practical issues concerning marriage registration, property rights and live-in relationships. They emphasised that any UCC framework should take into account the social and cultural realities of tribal communities while ensuring legal clarity and protection of individual rights.
The discussions reflected the need to strike a balance between uniform legal provisions and the preservation of community-specific customs and traditions.
Women’s Rights and Social Security Discussed
Women’s rights and social security also emerged as important areas of discussion during the consultation. State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr. Mamta Sahu supported the preservation of tribal traditions while also advocating progressive social reforms.
She highlighted issues including maintenance rights of Muslim women, the role of a UCC in strengthening national unity and concerns related to religious conversion.
Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Chairperson Mona Sen emphasised the importance of preserving the state’s rich folk art, tribal heritage and cultural traditions.
She also said that greater equality in marital and property rights could strengthen the confidence of women, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and marginalised sections of society, while providing them greater legal protection.
Committee Conducting Statewide Public Consultations
The consultation is part of the wider public dialogue being conducted by the UCC committee across Chhattisgarh in connection with Article 44 of the Constitution.
The proposed Uniform Civil Code seeks to explore the possibility of establishing a common legal framework for citizens irrespective of religion or community, particularly in areas governed by personal laws.
The committee is examining suggestions concerning marriage and divorce, maintenance, inheritance and succession, as well as live-in relationships.
At present, the committee is gathering views through district-level field studies, an online portal and direct consultations with citizens, legal experts and social organisations.
The objective is to incorporate diverse perspectives while working towards a transparent, equitable and public-oriented framework for a Uniform Civil Code in Chhattisgarh.
The latest consultation brought together voices from different regions and communities, underlining the importance of broad-based discussions before any final framework is prepared.
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