Gujarat introduces uniform civil code bill to bring common personal laws across state

The government of Gujarat has introduced a new bill in the state assembly that aims to bring a single set of personal laws for all residents. The proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) seeks to replace religion-based laws with common rules for matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships.

The bill was presented by deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi. It is based on the recommendations of a committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. The government says the aim is to ensure uniformity, simplify legal processes, and promote gender justice.

If passed, the law will apply to all residents of Gujarat, regardless of their religion. However, it will not apply to Scheduled Tribes or communities whose customs are protected under specific provisions of the Constitution.

Common rules for personal laws

The proposed Uniform Civil Code covers a wide range of personal matters. These include marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and adoption. The idea is to create equal legal standards for all citizens instead of separate rules based on religion.

Under the bill, a valid marriage must meet certain conditions. Both individuals must not have another living spouse, must give consent freely, and must meet the minimum age requirement—21 years for men and 18 years for women. The couple must also not fall within prohibited relationships unless allowed by custom.

The bill recognises different forms of marriage ceremonies. These include traditional practices like Saptapadi, Nikah, Anand Karaj, Arya Samaj rituals, and other customary forms. However, it makes registration of marriage compulsory within 60 days.

Divorce can only be granted through courts. The bill lists several grounds for divorce, such as cruelty, desertion for two or more years, conversion of religion, and mental illness. It also includes provisions for maintenance, child custody, and alimony.

Another major feature is related to inheritance. The code proposes a uniform system for succession, where spouses, children, and parents are considered primary heirs. It applies to both cases where a person leaves a will and where they do not.

Rules for live-in relationships

One of the most discussed parts of the bill is its provisions on live-in relationships. The code aims to bring such relationships under a formal legal framework.

According to the proposal, couples in live-in relationships must register their relationship with a registrar. This rule applies to all couples living in Gujarat, even if they are not originally from the state. However, for Gujarat residents living outside the state, registration will be optional.

The registrar will verify details to ensure that the relationship does not involve minors, married individuals, or prohibited relationships. If either partner is below 21 years of age, their parents or guardians will be informed.

The bill also includes penalties for not registering a live-in relationship within one month. Such cases may attract a fine of up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment of up to three months, or both. If a relationship is entered through force or fraud, stricter punishment of up to five years in jail is proposed.

Importantly, the code provides protection for women in such relationships. A woman who is abandoned by her partner can seek maintenance through the courts.

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Broader impact and political context

The introduction of the UCC bill in Gujarat is seen as a significant political and legal development. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which governs the state, has long supported the idea of a Uniform Civil Code across India.

Earlier, Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a UCC law in 2024. Gujarat now joins a list of states that are working towards implementing similar reforms.

Supporters of the bill argue that it will promote equality and remove legal complexities. They believe that having one law for all citizens will strengthen unity and ensure fairness, especially for women.

However, critics have raised concerns about the impact on cultural and religious practices. They argue that personal laws are closely linked to traditions and beliefs, and any changes should be handled carefully.

Legal experts also point out that implementation will be a key challenge. Ensuring awareness, smooth registration processes, and proper enforcement will require strong administrative support.

Conclusion

The Uniform Civil Code bill introduced in Gujarat represents a major step towards legal reform in personal laws. By proposing a single framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, the government aims to create a more uniform and simplified legal system.

While the bill has sparked debate, it also opens up discussions on balancing equality with cultural diversity. The coming days will be important as the assembly debates the proposal and decides its future.

If implemented effectively, the code could bring significant changes to how personal matters are governed in the state. At the same time, its success will depend on how well it addresses concerns and ensures fairness for all sections of society.