Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Committee Submits Final Report to Chief Minister
A five-member committee established by the Gujarat government to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state has submitted its comprehensive and final report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday. The state administration is now poised to introduce a draft bill on the UCC in the legislative assembly during the ongoing budget session, with sources indicating a potential tabling on March 25, the session's final day.
Committee Details and Key Recommendations
The committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, presented its findings to the Chief Minister. According to a government release, the panel has proposed a common legal framework applicable to all religions and communities in Gujarat, addressing critical personal law matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Emphasis has been placed on prioritizing equal rights and protection for women, reflecting a commitment to gender justice in the state's legal reforms.
Other distinguished members of the committee include retired senior IAS officer C L Meena, senior advocate R C Kodekar, former Vice Chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Dr Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff. The government formed this panel in February last year to explore various aspects of UCC implementation and prepare a draft bill, initially expecting a report within 45 days, though extensions were later granted.
Extensive Consultations and Public Feedback
In its efforts to ensure inclusivity, the committee conducted extensive consultations across Gujarat. Members traveled to all districts, gathering feedback from political and religious leaders. Notably, the panel held meetings with 38 Muslim organizations in August last year to understand their perspectives on the proposed legislation. Additionally, a dedicated website was created for public input, receiving nearly 19 lakh suggestions, highlighting widespread public engagement with the issue.
Despite these efforts, protests emerged from the Muslim community, with human chains formed in Ahmedabad and Vadodara in April 2025 to register opposition to the UCC. The government, however, has maintained its commitment to the initiative, with CM Patel stating that the state aims to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve for nationwide UCC implementation.
Legal Challenges and Government Authority
The committee's formation faced legal scrutiny, but in December last year, the Gujarat High Court rejected a plea challenging its constitution. The court upheld the state government's authority under Article 162 of the Constitution, emphasizing the separation of powers and stating that judicial interference in executive functions is not permissible. This ruling reinforces the government's mandate to proceed with the UCC draft bill.
As Gujarat moves forward with this significant legal reform, the focus remains on creating a unified civil code that balances community interests with progressive values, particularly in enhancing women's rights and legal uniformity across the state.
