A major legal shift is now very close in Gujarat as the state government actively moves to put the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) into action. This essential step means a single set of personal laws will soon cover all citizens, changing long-standing rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance. adoption across different religious groups. The push for this uniform law picks up speed, marking a significant moment that could reshape the daily lives of millions and set a new path for the entire country.
What the Uniform Civil Code Means
The Uniform Civil Code, often called UCC, is a legal idea in India. It aims to create one set of personal laws for all citizens, no matter their religion. These laws cover vital family matters like marriage, divorce, how property is passed down (inheritance). adopting children. Right now, different religious groups in India have their own personal laws, which are based on their religious books and traditions. The idea for a Uniform Civil Code comes from Article 44 of India’s Constitution. This article suggests that the government should work towards having a common civil code for everyone across the country. But, it is essential to know that this article is a ‘Directive Principle of State Policy,’ which means it is a guiding principle for the government. it is not a rule that must be followed by law. Before India became independent, the British government had made common laws for crimes, evidence. contracts. But they chose to keep the personal laws of Hindus and Muslims separate. After India gained freedom in 1947, there was a big discussion among the people who wrote the Constitution about whether to keep separate personal laws or bring in a Uniform Civil Code for everyone. Some leaders thought a UCC would bring equality and unite the country. Others worried it might interfere with religious practices. Goa is currently the only state in India that has a common family law, known as the Portuguese Civil Code, which has been in place since colonial times. Uttarakhand recently became the first state in independent India to put a Uniform Civil Code into effect on January 27, 2025. This move by Uttarakhand has set a new example for other states considering similar laws.
Gujarat’s Recent Steps
Gujarat has taken essential steps towards making a Uniform Civil Code a reality in the state. On February 4, 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the formation of a special committee to prepare a draft for the UCC. This committee is made up of five members and is led by Justice Ranjana Desai, a retired judge from the Supreme Court. The committee has been given 45 days to finish its report and give it to the state government. After the committee gives its report, the Gujarat government will decide whether to put the Uniform Civil Code into action. This action by Gujarat’s government shows its strong commitment to bringing in the UCC, aligning with a larger national goal. The members of this five-person committee, besides Justice Ranjana Desai, include retired government officer CL Meena, lawyer RC Kodekar, education expert Dakshesh Thakar. social worker Gita Shroff. This group is tasked with looking at different parts of the law and getting views from people from various walks of life. The committee has also asked for suggestions from the public, social and political groups. legal experts. The deadline for sending in suggestions was even extended until April 15, 2025, to allow more people to take part in the law-making process. The committee held public meetings in Delhi on April 12, hearing from groups like the Muslim Hit Rakshak Samiti and Shree Delhi Gujarati Samaj.
Understanding the Law’s Aims
The main goal of the Uniform Civil Code is to bring all citizens under one common set of personal laws, regardless of their religion. Supporters of the UCC believe it will bring more equality and fairness, especially for women. Many existing personal laws are seen by some as unfair to women when it comes to things like how property is inherited or divorce rules. A UCC would aim to give equal rights to men and women in all these matters. For example, the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand makes marriage registration mandatory for all, including live-in relationships. It also gives equal property rights to sons and daughters and sets equal rules for divorce. It aims to make the process of marriage and other personal matters clearer and easier to grasp. Another essential aim is to make the legal system simpler. With different personal laws for various communities, the courts often have to deal with many different rules. A single set of laws could make the legal process more straightforward and efficient. It is also seen by some as a step towards making India more united by creating a shared sense of identity among all citizens.
Views from Different Groups
The idea of a Uniform Civil Code creates different reactions from various groups of people. Those who support the UCC believe it is vital for ensuring equal rights for all citizens. They say it will help create a society where everyone is treated the same under the law, no matter their religion, gender, or social background. Supporters also argue that it can help in reducing social divisions based on religious personal laws. But, there are also groups who are concerned about the Uniform Civil Code. Critics argue that a UCC might take away India’s rich cultural diversity and affect religious freedom. They worry that it could make minority groups feel pushed aside and might not respect their unique traditions and practices. Some believe that personal laws are deeply connected to religious beliefs and should be kept as part of India’s unique social fabric. For instance, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) in Gujarat has written to the committee, stating their reservations against the proposed law. They argue that simply having one law does not always mean equality and justice, especially for women. They also point out that India has many different communities with varied traditions, customs. legal practices, which might not fit under one single code. The PUCL also expressed concerns that the process of drafting the UCC has not been open or included enough voices from all groups, especially from marginalized communities, women’s organizations. legal experts from different backgrounds. Representatives from the Muslim Hit Rakshak Samiti, during consultations, brought up concerns about the state’s power to make laws on this subject and how it might conflict with fundamental rights in the Constitution. On the other hand, the Shree Delhi Gujarati Samaj expressed their support for implementing the UCC in Gujarat. These different views show the wide-ranging opinions and the complex nature of this issue in a diverse country like India.
The Path Ahead
With the committee at work, Gujarat is moving closer to possibly implementing its own Uniform Civil Code. The committee has a deadline of 45 days to submit its report. the state government will make a decision based on its recommendations. This move by Gujarat comes after Uttarakhand successfully implemented its UCC earlier in 2025. If Gujarat goes ahead with the Uniform Civil Code, it would become the second state in India to do so, following Uttarakhand. This could set a trend for other states that have also shown interest in implementing the UCC, such as Assam, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh. Haryana. The process in Gujarat involves evaluating the need for such a code and creating a complete draft that considers legal principles and public feelings. The government has said that the proposed UCC will be thoroughly discussed in the state assembly before it is made final. The outcome of this process in Gujarat will be closely watched, as it could play a role in shaping the legal and social future of the state and potentially influence discussions about a nationwide Uniform Civil Code in India. 
