In a landmark move that signals a major shift in the state's legal and social landscape, the Gujarat government officially tabled the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Following the footsteps of Uttarakhand, Gujarat is set to become the second state in India to implement a common set of laws governing personal matters for all citizens, regardless of their religion.The Legislative Process The bill was introduced by the State Home Minister amid significant anticipation. The draft is based on the comprehensive recommendations provided by a high-level committee led by a retired High Court judge. The committee had conducted extensive public consultations, receiving thousands of suggestions from various stakeholders across the state over the past year.Key Provisions of the Gujarat UCC Bill:Uniformity in Marriage & Divorce: The bill proposes standardized procedures for marriage registration and divorce across all communities.Inheritance and Succession: It aims to ensure equal rights for sons and daughters in ancestral property, simplifying the complex web of existing personal laws.Live-in Relationships: Similar to the Uttarakhand model, the bill includes mandatory registration for live-in couples to ensure the legal protection of partners.Polygamy and Age of Marriage: The code strictly prohibits polygamy and reinforces the minimum legal age for marriage for both men and women.Political and Social Reactions The introduction of the bill saw a heated debate in the House. While the treasury benches hailed it as a "revolutionary step toward gender equality and national integration," the opposition raised concerns regarding the protection of tribal customs and religious freedom. The government, however, assured that the bill has been drafted keeping the diverse fabric of Gujarat in mind and respects the core traditions of the tribal population.Implementation Timeline The bill is expected to be discussed in detail during the ongoing budget session. Once passed and receiving the Governor's assent, Gujarat will transition to a unified legal framework for civil matters. This move is seen as a significant step in the nationwide discourse regarding the implementation of Article 44 of the Indian Constitution.
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