UCC By 2029? Amit Shah Sets Deadline For Uniform Civil Code Across BJP-NDA States

Uniform Civil Code is back at the centre of India’s political debate after Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to introduce UCC in all 21 BJP-NDA ruled states before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The proposed framework seeks common rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession, including a ban on polygamy, equal inheritance rights and mandatory registration of live-in relationships. Uttarakhand has already implemented its UCC, while Gujarat and Assam have passed legislation. But the BJP’s push has triggered strong opposition from Congress and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who argue that UCC could disproportionately target Muslims. With Article 44 providing the constitutional basis, what exactly would a Uniform Civil Code change?