In a major and far-reaching legal reform, the Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, marking a significant step towards a common civil framework and making the state the second in the country after Uttarakhand to adopt such a law.
The legislation seeks to standardise civil laws across communities by mandating registration of marriages and live-in relationships, ensuring equal inheritance rights, and introducing penalties for violations.
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
The concept of a Uniform Civil Code finds mention in Article 44 of the Constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy. It calls upon the state to work towards a common set of civil laws for all citizens, replacing religion-based personal laws in matters like marriage, divorce, and succession to promote equality and legal uniformity.
The Bill is based on recommendations submitted by a high-level committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The panel conducted consultations across districts, gathered public feedback, and examined various social and legal aspects before drafting the proposed law.
Key provisions of the Gujarat UCC Bill
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Mandatory marriage registration: Couples must register their marriage within 60 days; failure may invite a penalty of up to ₹10,000.
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Action against illegal marriages: Forced, fraudulent, or coerced marriages, as well as multiple marriages, may attract punishment of up to seven years.
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Uniform divorce procedure: Divorce must be registered after court approval; unregistered divorces will be treated as invalid and may lead to imprisonment of up to three years.
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Right to remarry: Women are granted the right to remarry without conditions after a legally valid divorce.
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Live-in relationship regulation: Registration of live-in relationships is mandatory. Non-compliance may result in up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of ₹10,000.
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Safeguards for young adults: In cases where individuals are aged between 18 and 21, parents will be informed. Strict penalties apply in cases of coercion or fraud.
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Protection for minors: Provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act will apply in cases involving minors.
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Restrictions on married individuals: A married person entering a live-in relationship may face stringent penalties.
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Women’s rights and child protection: The Bill ensures financial maintenance for women and legal recognition and rights for all children, including inheritance.
CM calls it ‘historic step’
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called the passage of the Bill as a “historic moment” for both Gujarat and the country. He congratulated the representatives and citizens of the state.
In a post on X, he said the law would establish a common legal framework across religions and communities, ensuring equality in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Patel emphasised that the legislation is rooted in principles of equality and justice, and aims to strengthen the rights, dignity, and security of women across communities. He noted that the Bill takes into account Supreme Court rulings and draws from legal practices in other democratic countries.
The Chief Minister said mandatory registration provisions would enhance transparency, prevent fraudulent practices, and provide legal protection to women and children. He added that regulating live-in relationships would help safeguard women from abandonment and secure children’s rights to identity, maintenance, and inheritance.
Patel also said the law has been framed keeping in mind the state’s cultural and social diversity to ensure fairness to all communities.
Focus on uniformity and social cohesion
The state government maintains that the UCC will help streamline legal processes, reduce disputes arising from varied personal laws, and promote social cohesion. Officials say the legislation is designed to balance uniformity with sensitivity to local diversity while strengthening the legal framework governing family matters.