The Gujarat government has taken a significant step toward implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by appointing a five-member committee to draft the proposal for the state. The committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, has been given 45 days to submit its report on the framework and implementation plan for the UCC in Gujarat.

This move follows Uttarakhand’s landmark rollout of UCC on January 27, making it the first state in India to implement the law.

Gujarat’s UCC Panel: Key Details

The Gujarat government’s decision to form a UCC drafting committee aligns with its broader vision of legal reforms and uniformity in personal laws across religious communities. The panel is expected to:

  • Review existing personal laws and their impact on society
  • Assess legal challenges in implementing UCC at the state level
  • Recommend a framework for smooth execution and compliance

The committee, led by Justice Ranjana Desai, will work on drafting a comprehensive report that will serve as the foundation for Gujarat’s UCC legislation.

Gujarat’s move comes shortly after Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to enforce UCC on January 27. The Uttarakhand government has already rolled out rules under the new law, including regulations for live-in relationships, which require:

  1. A 16-page registration form for couples
  2. A certificate from a religious leader confirming their eligibility to marry if they choose
  3. Other documentation to ensure compliance with the new legal framework

Despite facing opposition from political parties and religious groups, Uttarakhand has completed all necessary legal approvals and administrative training for the law’s execution.

As Gujarat prepares to draft its own version of UCC, the committee’s recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the legal framework. Key areas of focus will likely include:

  • Marriage and Divorce Laws: Ensuring equal rights across communities
  • Inheritance and Property Rights: Addressing legal disparities in succession laws
  • Adoption and Custody: Standardizing rules for child welfare

Once the draft report is submitted within 45 days, the Gujarat government is expected to hold consultations before moving toward legislation.

With Gujarat now actively working on drafting UCC, it joins Uttarakhand in paving the way for uniform personal laws across India. While the move is expected to generate political and social debates, it marks a significant shift in India’s legal landscape, aiming to establish a common civil framework for all citizens, regardless of religion.

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining how Gujarat’s UCC framework takes shape and what impact it will have on other states considering similar legal reforms.