Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Approved
President Droupadi Murmu approves Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill for personal civil matters
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Key Points
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The law sets a 60-day deadline to register marriages solemnised in Gujarat or involving a Gujarat resident; non-compliance can attract a fine of up to Rs 10,000.
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The Act sets the minimum marriage age at 21 for men and 18 for women, and lists adultery, cruelty, desertion for at least two years, conversion and disappearance for seven years among common grounds for divorce.
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The legislation prescribes up to seven years in prison for marriages obtained through force, coercion or deceit, and up to three years for divorces not granted by court decree.
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Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the bill’s aim was “to ensure social harmony and national unity,” and argued that a UCC would help secure women’s rights.
President Droupadi Murmu has approved Gujarat's Uniform Civil Code, making the state the second in India to adopt a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, and inheritance Times of India. The bill, passed by the state assembly in March after a seven-hour debate, covers personal civil matters for all residents while exempting Scheduled Tribes and groups with constitutionally protected customary rights Economic Times. The law will take effect once Gujarat drafts and publishes implementation rules.
What the Law Requires for Marriage and Divorce
All marriages in Gujarat must be registered within 60 days of the ceremony. Skipping registration costs a fine of up to Rs 10,000 Times of India. The law sets the minimum marriage age at 21 for men and 18 for women. It bans polygamy and lists common divorce grounds: adultery, cruelty, desertion for two years, religious conversion, and disappearance for seven years Economic Times.
Breaking divorce law carries serious penalties. Obtaining a divorce outside court decree can result in up to three years in prison Times of India. Forcing someone into marriage through coercion or deceit brings up to seven years in jail. The law also criminalizes providing false information during live-in relationship registration, with up to three months jail time Economic Times.
New Rights for Live-in Partners and Women
The law recognizes children born to unmarried couples as legal heirs and gives them inheritance rights Times of India. Women in live-in relationships gain the right to claim maintenance from abandoned partners, even without marriage Economic Times. Live-in relationships must be registered with the state, creating a legal record of the union and protecting both partners' interests Times of India.
Why Gujarat Moved After Uttarakhand's Success
Gujarat is only the second state in independent India to pass a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code, following Uttarakhand's 2024 law Economic Times. The ruling BJP views the code as one of its three core goals, alongside the Ram Temple construction and removal of Article 370 Times of India. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the law aims to "ensure social harmony and national unity" while protecting women's rights across communities Economic Times.
Opposition parties like Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party opposed the bill, with lawmakers staging a walkout and demanding referral to a select committee Times of India. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board raised concerns about lack of public transparency in the process Economic Times. West Bengal's Chief Minister recently promised to introduce a similar code within six months Times of India.
Who Is Exempt and When It Takes Effect
Scheduled Tribes and groups with constitutionally protected customary rights are explicitly exempt from the law Times of India. This exemption respects Article 342 of the Indian Constitution and preserves traditional practices for these communities Economic Times. The law applies to all Gujarat residents, including those living outside the state Times of India.
The Uniform Civil Code was officially published in the Gujarat Government Extraordinary Gazette on October 1, 2026 Times of India. However, the law won't formally take effect until the state government publishes detailed rules and a commencement notification Economic Times. State administrative departments are currently drafting the implementation guidelines Times of India.
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