Uniform Civil Code of Gujarat Act, 2026

The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Act, 2026
Gujarat Legislative Assembly
  • An Act to establish a uniform legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and live-in relationships in the State of Gujarat.
CitationAct No. XX of 2026
Territorial extentGujarat
Enacted byGujarat Legislative Assembly
Enacted24 March 2026
Legislative history
Bill titleThe Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026
Bill citationBill No. XX of 2026
Introduced byBhupendra Patel
Introduced24 March 2026
Finally passed both chambers24 March 2026
Summary
A law to establish a uniform civil framework relating to marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and live-in relationships.
Status: In force

The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Act, 2026 is a legislation enacted by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly to establish a uniform legal framework governing matters relating to marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and live-in relationships for residents of Gujarat, irrespective of religion.[1][2][3]

Gujarat became the second state in India, after Uttarakhand, to enact a Uniform Civil Code.[4][5]

Background

Article 44 of the Constitution of India directs the State to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens. The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code was one of the key policy initiatives of the Government of Gujarat.[6]

The Government of Gujarat constituted an expert committee to examine the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in the state. The committee submitted its report in March 2026, following which the state cabinet approved the recommendations.[7]

On 24 March 2026, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, after more than seven hours of debate.[8][9]

Provisions

Marriage and Divorce:

  • Establishes a uniform legal framework for marriage and divorce applicable to all communities.
  • Mandates compulsory registration of marriages and divorces.
  • Prohibits polygamy and bigamy.

Inheritance and Succession:

  • Provides equal inheritance rights irrespective of gender.
  • Establishes a uniform succession framework applicable to all citizens.

Live-in Relationships:

  • Mandates registration of live-in relationships.
  • Recognizes the rights of children born from registered live-in relationships.
  • Provides maintenance rights to deserted partners.

Additional Provisions:

  • Prohibits child marriage.
  • Provides for adoption and guardianship under a uniform legal framework.
  • Establishes procedures and jurisdiction for civil courts.

Exemptions:

  • Exempts members of Scheduled Tribes and certain communities whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution.[10][11]

Reactions

The passage of the Act was welcomed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, which described it as a historic step towards gender justice and legal uniformity. Opposition parties criticized the legislation, alleging that it infringed upon religious and cultural rights.[12][13]

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described the legislation as a milestone in the implementation of Article 44 of the Constitution of India.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026: Common law on marriage, divorce, live-in ties cleared; polygamy banned, STs exempt". The Times of India. Gandhinagar. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  2. ↑ "Uniform Civil Code Committee, Gujarat". Uniform Civil Code Committee, Gujarat. Government of Gujarat. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  3. ↑ "Draft Report on Uniform Civil Code Submitted to CM Shri Bhupendra Patel". Chief Minister's Office, Gujarat. Government of Gujarat. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  4. ↑ "'Historic step': After Uttarakhand, Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill". The Times of India. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  5. ↑ "Gujarat to become second state to implement Uniform Civil Code after Uttarakhand". News On AIR. Prasar Bharati. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  6. ↑ "Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel introduces Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026 in Assembly". The Economic Times. 24 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  7. ↑ "UCC report submitted to CM, bill likely to be tabled in assembly soon". The Times of India. Gandhinagar. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  8. ↑ "Gujarat Assembly passes Uniform Civil Code Bill after 7-hour debate". News On AIR. Prasar Bharati. 24 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  9. ↑ "कांग्रेस के कड़े विरोध के बीच 7 घंटे से अधिक बहस के बाद गुजरात विधानसभा ने समान नागरिक संहिता विधेयक पारित किया". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). अहमदाबाद. 25 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  10. ↑ "Women live-in partners to get maintenance under Gujarat's new UCC bill; 50-50 kids' liability also proposed". The Economic Times. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  11. ↑ "The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026". National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  12. ↑ "भारी विरोध के बीच गुजरात में UCC विधेयक, लिव-इन रिलेशन और दो शादियों के लिए ये नियम!". ABP Live (in Hindi). 24 March 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
  13. ↑ Uma, Saumya (31 March 2026). "What Gujarat's UCC Actually Does and Why People Should be Concerned About It". The Wire. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
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