The Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which seeks to create a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion.
The bill was approved after more than seven hours of marathon debate in the assembly.
The bill provides for seven years in prison if marriages are conducted by force, coercion or fraud and also bans bigamy/polygamy. Registration of marriage and permanent relationship is also mandatory.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hailed the bill, which frees tribals, as a landmark reform to ensure equality. The opposition Congress vehemently opposed it, saying it violated fundamental rights and was “anti-Muslim”.
The second state after Uttarakhand
The bill was passed by a majority vote as the opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not approve it and demanded that it be sent to a select committee of the state assembly.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who introduced the bill earlier, a week after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of the UCC, said there is a jail term of up to 7 years if marriages are conducted by force, coercion or fraud and also in cases of bigamy/polygamy.
With the passage of the bill, BJP-ruled Gujarat became the second state in the country after Uttarakhand to pass the UCC. Uttarakhand became the first state to pass the UCC Act in February 2024.
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The proposed law titled “Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026” will be extended to the entire state and will also apply to the people of Gujarat living outside its territorial boundaries.
However, the bill states that the code will not apply to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and certain groups whose customary rights are protected by the Constitution.
The aim of the bill is to create a unified legal framework, as stated in its statement of “Objects and Reasons”.
CM Patel while introducing the bill termed it as a step towards a unified legal framework based on constitutional principles.
“For a united and undivided nation, a common legal framework that reflects our Vedic knowledge is necessary. Our ancient verses also say that truth is one, even if it is expressed in different ways; and if truth is one, then even if there are many religions, justice must be one,” Patel said.
Referring to the Indian Constitution, he added: “Equality before the law has been guaranteed to every citizen of the country under Article 14 of the Constitution. And Article 44 of the same Constitution directs the state to move towards a uniform civil code. The implementation of the UCC will now reject any policy or dispute involving division or discrimination among citizens on the basis of their religion or caste.”
The CM said the legislation will apply uniformly to all citizens and reflects the “expectations, aspirations and desires of the citizens of Gujarat for equal justice”.
He emphasized that the Bill introduces a “unified legal framework” on issues like marriage, divorce and inherited property and ensures that no injustice is done to anyone”, adding that it was drafted after “intense discussions and deliberations” keeping in mind the diversity of Gujarat.
Women’s honor, equal rights and security were particularly prioritized in this proposal, he said.
Registration of live-in relationships
“Compulsory registration of marriages, registration of live-in relationships, uniform rules for divorce, equal inheritance rights for daughters and sons and strict enforcement along with penalty provisions for non-compliance are the key provisions of this law.”
“If the mandatory marriage registration is not carried out within 60 days, a fine of up to ₹10,000. If the marriages are conducted by force, coercion or fraud, the punishment is imprisonment up to 7 years and in case of bigamy/polygamy also imprisonment up to 7 years,” he said.
Talking about live-in relationships, he said, “Its registration is mandatory and failure to register it is punishable by up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of ₹10,000. Live registration is not meant to steal someone’s freedom but to legally protect our daughters.”
He also clarified that “there is no interference with religious rituals”.
This UCC Act is solely meant to remove discrimination, not to erase cultures, he said, adding that Scheduled Tribes were “entirely exempted”.
Supporting the proposal, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi cited global and domestic examples to justify the move.
Looking back at the Congress, he said, “I am not at all surprised by this reaction of the Congress. When Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar brought the law giving equal rights to women, the Congress government also apologized that ‘the time was not ripe’, fed up with the same anti-women mentality, Babasaheb had to resign.”
Violates Constitutional Guarantees: Congress
Senior Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar said, “You have brought this bill in a hurry in view of the upcoming assembly elections in 2027. We demand that it be sent to a select committee of the assembly.”
Another senior Congress MLA Amit Chavda argued that the bill violates constitutional guarantees.
Congress MLA Imran Khedawala strongly objected and said, “I speak on behalf of my community and oppose this bill as it seeks to violate our Shariat and Quran. For Muslims, matters related to nikah and inheritance are not just rules but Allah’s command and we are bound to follow it. We will file protests and also go to court.”
A common legal framework is essential for a united and undivided nation.
He called the legislation “anti-Muslim” and claimed it was brought forward despite no such demand from the community.
(With input from agencies)
