West Bengal Implements Uniform Civil Code in August, OBC and Public Safety Bills Pass
Committee to Finalize Uniform Civil Code Framework
Indiadailyupdate.com – West Bengal is on track to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by August, as the state assembly approved twin bills related to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and the Public Safety Act. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari revealed the formation of a select committee tasked with drafting the UCC framework, which will be introduced in the state legislature in August. The committee, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, aims to finalize the bill’s provisions within four weeks, ensuring a structured approach to implementing the UCC.
The proposed UCC will not apply to tribal, indigenous, Kurmi, and other ancient communities recognized in West Bengal’s statutes. Adhikari emphasized that these exemptions mirror similar frameworks in states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat, where traditional personal laws remain in place. The committee includes a retired IAS officer, a legal scholar, and an educationist, along with social workers and an administrative secretary to manage logistical aspects.
“The UCC represents a significant step toward legal equality, but it must respect the cultural and social practices of our diverse communities,” said Adhikari, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. “Exemptions for tribal groups are essential to preserve their unique identity while ensuring uniformity in personal laws for the majority population.”
OBC Bill Reforms and Reservation Adjustments
West Bengal’s assembly passed two OBC-related bills, which include amendments to the state’s reservation policy and procedural reforms for backward class classification. These bills were introduced by Backward Classes Development Minister Gouri Shankar Ghosh, in response to the Calcutta High Court’s earlier ruling that invalidated the process due to procedural lapses. The reforms are designed to streamline the inclusion of communities into the OBC list, addressing concerns about fairness and transparency in the system.
“The OBC classification must be based on objective criteria to ensure equitable representation,” Ghosh stated. “The previous government’s reliance on vote bank politics created inconsistencies, and the new bills aim to rectify that by involving the Backward Classes Commission more actively in the process.”
The amendments reduce the reservation quota for OBC communities from 17% under the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to 7%, with 66 groups retained. A total of 113 additional castes were added during the TMC era, including Muslim communities. The bills secured 182 votes in favor and 17 against, with the rebel TMC faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee withdrawing from the proceedings, leaving only five MLAs in support.
Public Safety Act and Anti-social Measures
The Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Act, 2026, was also approved by the West Bengal assembly. This legislation empowers authorities to detain individuals for up to a year without trial, provided they are deemed to have committed anti-social acts. It allows for the seizure of assets associated with such activities and enables property confiscation to curb unlawful behavior. The law received 176 votes in favor and 41 against, reflecting broad support for its implementation.
“The Public Safety Act is a tool to maintain law and order, especially in the wake of recent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025,” said Adhikari. “These bills are part of a coordinated effort to strengthen governance and ensure the state’s legal framework remains robust.”
Adhikari also noted that the new Public Safety Act is introduced in memory of CPI(M) workers Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, whose families faced hardship during periods of unrest. He argued that the law would protect both public and private property, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing it effectively. The twin OBC bills and the Public Safety Act collectively signal a shift in West Bengal’s legislative priorities, aligning with the state’s broader agenda to implement the UCC.
Political Context and Legislative Momentum
The passage of the UCC and related bills comes amid a politically charged environment in West Bengal, where the TMC has sought to consolidate its power. Adhikari’s emphasis on the UCC as a cornerstone of the state’s reform agenda reflects a strategic move to address personal law disparities and promote uniformity. The bills were introduced following a directive from the Calcutta High Court in May 2024, which prompted the government to revisit the OBC classification process.
Supporters of the UCC argue that its implementation will ensure equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion or community. Critics, however, caution that the UCC could marginalize minority groups, particularly those with distinct personal laws. The legislation is expected to face legal and social challenges, but the state government remains confident in its approach, with the committee’s framework providing a clear roadmap for its rollout.
With the UCC set to take effect in August, West Bengal’s legislative actions are seen as part of a larger effort to modernize the state’s governance. The twin OBC bills and the Public Safety Act collectively address key social and administrative issues, reflecting the government’s focus on streamlining processes and enhancing legal frameworks. As the committee finalizes its work, the state prepares for a transformative phase in its legal and social policies.
