In a significant move, the Gujarat assembly approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on Tuesday after over seven hours of heated debate. The legislation aims to establish a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships across all religions.
The bill introduces severe penalties, including up to seven years of imprisonment for marriages conducted through force or deception. It also bans bigamy and polygamy while making marriage registration mandatory. However, it exempts tribals from its provisions.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) praised the bill as a landmark reform promoting equality. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized its role in ensuring justice and unity among citizens. He stated that under Article 44 of the Constitution, the state is directed toward implementing such a code.
Patel described this legislation as “a step towards a unified legal framework” and pointed out that it reflects the aspirations of Gujarat’s citizens for equal rights. The bill mandates equal inheritance rights for children regardless of gender and stipulates that non-compliance could result in hefty fines or imprisonment.
“If marriages aren’t registered within 60 days, there’s a fine of up to Rs 10,000,” Patel noted during his presentation. Furthermore, he clarified that while the law will apply uniformly to all citizens, it does not interfere with religious rituals.
Despite BJP’s support, opposition voices from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) grew louder against this proposal. Congress leaders claimed it violates fundamental rights and labeled it “anti-Muslim.” They demanded further deliberation by sending it back to a select committee.
A prominent Congress member argued that this bill disregards traditional laws important to Muslim communities regarding marriage and inheritance. In response to criticisms about timing ahead of upcoming elections in 2027, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi dismissed worries about rushed legislation.