The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill has now also been passed in Gujarat, following its approval in Uttarakhand. After Uttarakhand, Gujarat has become the second state in the country to do so. On Tuesday, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel praised the state assembly’s passage of the UCC Bill 2026. He termed it a historic moment for both Gujarat and the nation. After a debate lasting over seven and a half hours, the bill was finally approved by a majority.
Many changes can happen in Gujarat due to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code Bill. This will make registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships mandatory in the state. Polygamy (having more than one marriage) will also be banned. Women will have equal property rights. A uniform law will apply to all religions. Practices like Halala will be banned. A uniform legal framework will apply across all religions and communities for matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption. The UCC will ensure that women of all religions and communities have equal rights, thereby strengthening their dignity and security.
On concerns being raised about cultural impacts, CM Patel made it clear that UCC is not meant to erase any culture. This bill will not harm the culture of any community. He said that the geographical and cultural diversity of the state has been taken into consideration to ensure that no community is discriminated against.
What is the Uniform Civil Code Bill?
The Uniform Civil Code Bill is a legislative proposal to establish a single law for all citizens of India. Currently, people follow different personal laws based on their specific religion. These laws cover private matters like marriage, divorce, and inheriting property. The UCC Bill replaces these various religious rules with a common set of secular laws. It aligns with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for a unified legal system for all.
How Many States Have Passed the UCC Bill in India?
To date, two states in India have successfully passed a Uniform Civil Code Bill. Uttarakhand became the first state to lead the way by passing the bill in early 2024. Following this path, Gujarat has recently passed the Gujarat UCC Bill to implement similar rules. While the state of Goa has used a common civil code for a long time, it did not pass a new bill through the modern legislative process like Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
What are the Benefits of the Uniform Civil Code Bill?
The Uniform Civil Code Bill brings several positive changes to society. First, it ensures equality because every citizen stands before the law with the same rights. Second, it promotes gender justice by giving women equal rights in matters like divorce and property ownership. Third, it simplifies the legal system by removing the confusion of different religious rules. Fourth, it strengthens national unity by treating all people as equals regardless of their faith. Finally, it provides legal protection for children born in various types of domestic partnerships.
How Will UCC Affect Muslims?
The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code Bill will significantly change the personal laws currently followed by the Muslim community in India. Under this new bill, the practices of polygamy and instant triple talaq are completely prohibited to ensure fairness. The law also removes the practice of Nikah Halala. In terms of family wealth, Muslim women will now receive an equal share of inherited property, which was not the case under traditional personal laws. Furthermore, the legal age for marriage will be standardised for everyone. While these changes aim to provide more rights to women and children, they also mean that religious personal laws will no longer apply to civil matters.
Key Requirements for Live-in Relationships
A unique part of the Uniform Civil Code Bill is how it handles couples living together without marriage.
- Mandatory Registration: Couples in live-in relationships must register with the local government.
- Legal Standing: This registration helps protect the rights of both partners and any children born from the relationship.
- Safety Measures: The law requires this step to ensure transparency and safety for young adults.
Protecting Tribal Traditions
It is important to note that the Uniform Civil Code Bill generally does not apply to the Scheduled Tribal group. The government has included this exemption to respect and protect the unique cultural traditions and customary laws of tribal communities across the state.
I started writing down one thing at the end of every day — what I actually managed to do. Not a to-do list, not plans. Just one small win. It’s surprising how quickly it shifts your perspective.
That’s is also a good way