The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, was officially presented in the State Assembly by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This bill, introduced towards the end of the current budget session, aims to establish a unified legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and related matters for all state residents. Chief Minister Patel highlighted key provisions of the legislation, emphasizing its focus on legal protection and gender justice.
The proposed bill includes fines and potential imprisonment for various offenses, such as non-completion of required registrations and engaging in multiple marriages. Chief Minister Patel stressed that divorces obtained outside the formal court process would be considered invalid, with penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment. Additionally, the bill suggests compulsory registration of all live-in relationships within one month, with penalties for non-compliance.
Chief Minister Patel underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of women, stating that the bill reflects a commitment to women’s empowerment. The legislation, based on recommendations from a committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, aims to standardize civil law across communities while allowing exemptions for groups with constitutionally protected customary rights. The bill will now undergo detailed discussions and clause-by-clause consideration in the State Assembly.
