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After Uttarakhand, it seems that now it’s Gujarat’s turn to implement the Uniform Civil Code or UCC in the state. The Gujarat government on Tuesday made a significant move in this direction. The state government announced the formation of a five-member committee to draft a UCC for the state. The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai. It has members such as retired IAS officer C. L. Meena, advocate R. C. Kodekar, former vice chancellor Dakshesh Thaker, and social worker Geetaben Shroff.
The state’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring equal rights for all citizens. He stated, “As we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to implement a uniform law across the country to ensure equal rights.”
The committee is tasked with preparing a draft of the UCC and is expected to submit its report within 45 days. Following the submission, the state government will deliberate on the recommendations to decide on the implementation of the UCC.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi assured that the proposed UCC would respect the customs and traditions of the state’s tribal communities, which constitute approximately 15% of Gujarat’s population. He stated, “Full consideration will be given to preserving the traditions and customs of the tribal communities.”
This development follows similar initiatives in other BJP-ruled states, notably Uttarakhand, which recently became the first state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed law in India that aims to have a single set of civil laws for all citizens, regardless of religion. It would cover matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Currently, personal laws based on religion govern these issues. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and other communities follow different rules.
The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy. This means the government should work towards implementing it, but it is not yet mandatory. The main aim of the UCC is to promote equality and justice by ensuring uniform laws for everyone. Supporters believe it will remove gender discrimination and strengthen national unity. Critics argue that it may interfere with religious freedom and traditions.
One example of a UCC in India is in Goa. It follows a common civil law, unlike other states. In 2024, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to pass a UCC law after independence. Other states like Gujarat and Assam are also discussing it.
The UCC has been a topic of debate for decades. Some governments have tried to introduce it, but strong opposition has delayed progress. The Supreme Court of India has also spoken about the need for a common civil law.
In short, the Uniform Civil Code aims to replace religion based personal laws with a single legal system. It is meant to ensure equality and fairness. However, its implementation remains a controversial issue in India.
