In a significant step toward uniformity in personal laws, the Gujarat government has announced the formation of a five-member committee tasked with preparing a draft for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The committee, which will be led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, is expected to submit its report within the next 45 days, based on which the state government will decide the further course of action.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday. He emphasized that the committee’s mission is to create a law that ensures equal rights for all citizens, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of implementing a common civil code nationwide.
Gujarat’s Commitment to Equal Rights
Patel highlighted the importance of the Indian Constitution in fulfilling citizens’ duties and pointed to the government’s ongoing efforts to realize promises such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the banning of Triple Talaq. He reiterated that the state government is committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s goal of achieving equal rights and opportunities for all Indians.
The committee will consist of retired IAS officer CL Meena, advocate RC Kodekar, educationist Daxesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff, alongside Ranjana Desai as the chairperson. The committee will work on drafting the UCC with the aim of streamlining legal processes related to marriage and divorce, fostering social harmony, and protecting personal rights for all residents.
Uttarakhand’s Milestone: First State to Implement UCC
This move comes shortly after Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the UCC. The Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, applies to all residents in the state, regardless of their religion, and brings about significant reforms, such as the banning of polygamy and child marriage. The Act, however, does not apply to Scheduled Tribes and certain protected communities.
Among the key provisions of the UCC are clear eligibility criteria for marriage, which state that both parties must be mentally capable and legally eligible. The legal age for marriage under the UCC is 21 for men and 18 for women. The law also mandates marriage registration within 60 days, although non-registration will not invalidate the marriage. Those married between March 26, 2010, and the implementation of the Act will have six months to register, while marriages before that date are encouraged to register voluntarily if they meet legal requirements.
The Road Ahead
As Gujarat moves forward with its own push for a Uniform Civil Code, the process will likely spark further debates on its implications for personal and religious freedoms. While proponents argue that it will bring about social justice and uniformity, critics may raise concerns about the potential erosion of religious customs and practices.
The UCC draft in Gujarat is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the debate on whether India should have a common civil code, ensuring all citizens are treated equally under the law, irrespective of their religion or community.
