Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi emphasized the necessity of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to address legal disparities faced by women during a discussion in the Gujarat Assembly. He highlighted that existing personal laws often lead to injustices for women, stressing the importance of upholding legal rights for all individuals as enshrined in the Constitution. Sanghavi described the UCC as a framework based on gender justice, legality, national unity, and democracy, indicating Gujarat’s intent to implement it following Uttarakhand’s lead.
He pointed out the successful implementation of a uniform civil code in Goa pre-Independence, citing it as a model where injustices were minimal. Sanghavi criticized opposition parties for historically prioritizing appeasement and maintaining orthodox views. Responding to Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda’s call for public scrutiny of the draft report, Sanghavi highlighted the extensive consultations that received around 20 lakh suggestions and feedback.
Sanghavi clarified that the UCC proposal aims to ensure equal legal rights for all citizens and is not targeted against any specific religion. He referenced judicial observations, including a Gujarat High Court judgment, to support the need for a uniform civil code. Sanghavi illustrated how legal inequalities can impact women through real-life cases of harassment and discrimination based on personal laws. The proposed legislation, currently under discussion in the Assembly, seeks to establish a common legal framework governing personal matters like marriage.
