On Tuesday (4th February 2025), the Bhupendra Patel led Gujarat state government announced the formation of a five-member panel to draft and propose a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that could be implemented in the state. The announcement was made during a press conference held by CM Patel.
As per the information shared, the panel will be headed by Retired SC Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. She had previously headed the UCC panel for Uttarakhand. The panel is expected to submit its report within 45 days. Following which, the government will decide the next course of action.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that a five-member committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, has been formed to draft and propose a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The committee is expected to submit its report to the state government within 45 days,… pic.twitter.com/eBSSl2DPMD
— The Frustrated Indian (@FrustIndian) February 4, 2025
According to news reports, the state cabinet will approve the formation of this panel, likely by tomorrow. Subsequently, the government will then present the UCC draft bill in the state assembly.
The development comes days after the BJP-led Uttarakhand government implemented the Uniform Civil Code act in the hilly state. The act lays out a clear framework for uniform rules on marriage, divorce, property, inheritance and adoption laws for all citizens irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Notably, with its implementation, Uttarakhand became only the second state after Goa to enact uniform laws for residents.
It is pertinent to note that the UCC bill was passed by the state assembly almost a year earlier, but it has come into effect recently. According to the provisions made in the state’s UCC, it is now mandatory to register live-in relationships. Additionally, for individuals under the age of 21 years, it will be mandatory for them to take parental consent for live-in relationships.
Furthermore, marriages can only be registered when both the partners attain minimum legal age. Irrespective of religion, the law has set the minimum age of marriage for men at 21 years while that for women is kept at 18 years.
The law has also prohibits polygamy, child marriage, triple talaq and has brought uniform process for divorce.
However, the Uttarakhand UCC has made exemptions for Scheduled Tribes.
