West Bengal Uniform Civil Code committee member Tathagata Roy said the panel will hold consultations before deciding on the implementation framework, adding that the core principles of the UCC should remain consistent across states.

Deliberations on Uniform Civil Code to Shape Next Steps in West Bengal

Committee member Tathagata Roy has said that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) framework in West Bengal will be finalised only after detailed consultations within the panel headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai.

Speaking in Kolkata, Roy said discussions among committee members would determine the future course of action and the model to be adopted in the state. He noted that, at present, the panel has not reached a final decision regarding the specific measures that will be implemented.

According to Roy, consultations with committee members will play a key role in shaping the structure and execution of the proposed code.

Justice Ranjana Desai to Lead the Committee

Roy stated that the committee overseeing the Uniform Civil Code initiative in West Bengal will function under the leadership of Justice Ranjana Desai.

He explained that the committee’s recommendations would emerge through internal discussions and consultations before any concrete framework is established. Roy added that the process is still at an early stage and that the details of implementation remain under consideration.

The committee is expected to examine legal, administrative, and social aspects before arriving at its recommendations.

Roy Calls for Consistency in UCC Principles

Sharing his views on the Uniform Civil Code, Roy said that if such a code is to be implemented, its basic principles should remain uniform throughout the country.

He noted that he had initially expected the initiative to be undertaken at the national level, but it was later decided that individual states would handle the process. While acknowledging that some differences in implementation may exist between states, Roy said he does not anticipate major variations in the fundamental provisions.

According to him, any distinctions between states are likely to be administrative in nature rather than ideological.

Comparisons Drawn with Assam and Uttarakhand

Roy referred to states such as Assam and Uttarakhand, where the Uniform Civil Code has already been introduced or is under implementation.

He said that although West Bengal has its own social and demographic characteristics, he expects the state’s version of the UCC to broadly align with the models adopted elsewhere.

At the same time, he acknowledged that certain local considerations could influence administrative procedures and implementation mechanisms.

Response to Opposition

Addressing concerns raised by groups opposed to the Uniform Civil Code, Roy said that differing opinions are part of the democratic process but maintained that the code would ultimately have to be accepted if adopted.

He reiterated that the committee’s work is ongoing and that decisions regarding the structure and implementation of the UCC will emerge only after detailed deliberations.

Why This Matters

The Uniform Civil Code remains one of the most widely debated policy issues in India, touching upon questions of personal laws, legal uniformity, and state-specific considerations.

As discussions continue in different states, the outcome of committee consultations and the frameworks they recommend are likely to shape future debates on the issue.

Conclusion

Tathagata Roy has said that West Bengal’s Uniform Civil Code committee, headed by Justice Ranjana Desai, will finalise its implementation framework only after extensive consultations. While emphasising that the core principles of the UCC should remain broadly consistent across states, Roy acknowledged that some administrative differences may arise based on local conditions. The committee is expected to continue its deliberations before determining the next steps.

Key Takeaways

• Tathagata Roy said the West Bengal UCC committee will decide the framework after consultations.
• The committee is headed by Justice Ranjana Desai.
• Roy believes the core principles of the UCC should remain uniform across India.
• He expects only limited administrative differences between West Bengal and other states.
• The panel is still in the deliberation stage and has not finalised its recommendations.

FAQs

Who is heading the West Bengal UCC committee?
The committee is being led by Justice Ranjana Desai.

What did Tathagata Roy say about the UCC?
He said the implementation framework will be finalised only after discussions within the committee.

Will West Bengal’s UCC differ from other states?
Roy said there may be some administrative differences, but the fundamental principles should remain largely the same.

Has the committee finalised its recommendations?
No, Roy said the panel is still holding consultations and no final decision has been taken.

Which states were mentioned in comparison?
Roy referred to Assam and Uttarakhand while discussing the implementation of the UCC.

Category: West Bengal | Politics | Governance | Law