Gujarat Government Committee Submits Final Report on Uniform Civil Code Implementation
A high-level committee established by the Gujarat government to evaluate the necessity of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and draft corresponding legislation has formally presented its final report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The submission occurred on Tuesday in Gandhinagar, with the state administration now poised to introduce the UCC bill during the current assembly session, according to authoritative government sources.
Key Recommendations and Legislative Process
The committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai, delivered the report alongside a comprehensive presentation detailing the panel's findings and proposals. An official government statement clarified the core recommendations, emphasizing the establishment of a common legal framework applicable to all religious and community groups. This framework specifically addresses critical personal law matters:
- Marriage and divorce procedures
- Inheritance and succession rights
- Adoption regulations
Notably, the report prioritizes equal rights and protection for women, ensuring these principles are integral to the proposed legislation. Following the report's submission, the legislative affairs department has been instructed to finalize the UCC implementation bill for tabling in the ongoing assembly session.
Scope and Exemptions of the Proposed Bill
Government insiders provided further specifics regarding the bill's applicability and provisions. The proposed legislation will extend to individuals who have been domiciled in Gujarat for a minimum of ten years. However, it includes exemptions for members of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in selected categories, acknowledging their unique constitutional protections.
The bill aims to create a unified legal structure governing marriage, divorce, and succession rights across all religions and communities. Additionally, it will establish a single regulatory framework for both majority and minority institutions, promoting consistency and equality under the law.
Committee Formation and Extensive Consultations
The Gujarat government constituted this expert committee in February 2025 under Justice Ranjana Desai's leadership. Its mandate was to thoroughly examine all aspects related to UCC implementation within the state and prepare a draft bill. The panel's membership included distinguished individuals such as:
- Retired senior IAS officer C L Meena
- Advocate R C Kodekar
- Former vice-chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Dakshesh Thakar
- Social worker Gita Shroff
Initially allocated a 45-day period to complete its report, the committee received extensions to facilitate wide-ranging consultations with diverse societal segments. Panel members conducted visits to all districts of Gujarat, engaging with representatives from various social and religious organizations to gather input.
The consultation process was further enhanced through a dedicated website where objections, suggestions, and recommendations could be submitted. This inclusive approach yielded an impressive response, with the government reporting that over 19 lakh suggestions were received since the committee's formation.
The submission of this final report marks a significant step toward potential UCC implementation in Gujarat, aligning with broader national discussions on uniform civil laws. The state government's forthcoming actions in the assembly will be closely monitored as this legislative proposal advances.
