Gandhinagar | March 25,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
Gujarat Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026:
In a landmark legislative move, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2026, introducing a common legal framework governing civil matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance across all communities.
The Bill, described as “historic” by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, was enacted under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with the government emphasizing its aim to ensure equality before the law.
Table of Contents
What the Uniform Civil Code Means
The UCC seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a uniform set of civil rules applicable to all citizens in Gujarat. The government clarified that the law deals only with civil matters and does not interfere with religious beliefs or practices.
Currently, while criminal laws are uniformly applicable across India, civil matters such as marriage and inheritance often differ based on religious customs. The new legislation aims to eliminate these disparities.
Key Provisions of the Gujarat UCC Bill
The Bill introduces several significant reforms:
• Mandatory registration of marriages and divorces
• Uniform grounds and procedures for divorce across communities
• Ban on extra-judicial divorces, making court-based processes compulsory
• Monogamy enforced, prohibiting multiple marriages
• Void marriages in cases of identity concealment
• Penal provisions for fraud, coercion, or misrepresentation in marriage
• Equal inheritance rights for daughters and wives
• Maintenance rights for women without restrictions tied to personal laws
Additionally, the law requires registration of live-in relationships with local authorities, aimed at ensuring legal safeguards and accountability.
Exemptions & Safeguards
The Gujarat government has clarified that Scheduled Tribes will be exempted from the provisions of the UCC, in line with constitutional protections. Their traditional customs related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance will remain unaffected.
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Public Consultation & Support
The legislation is based on recommendations from a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. According to the government, nearly 20 lakh suggestions were received during public consultations through various platforms.
Officials stated that a majority of respondents supported uniform provisions in civil matters and mandatory registration of marital events.
Gujarat Joins UCC Push
With this move, Gujarat becomes one of the states actively implementing a Uniform Civil Code, following Uttarakhand, while Goa continues to have a long-standing common civil law system.
What Happens Next?
The legislation will come into force after completing the required legal procedures and formalities. The government has projected the law as a step toward building an “Equal Gujarat, Empowered Gujarat”, ensuring fairness and uniformity in civil rights.
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