Gujarat Assembly Passes UCC Bill, Mandates Live-In Registration
The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill with a majority, making Gujarat the second state in India, after Uttarakhand, to implement such legislation. The move marks a significant step toward establishing a common legal framework across communities on matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised that the Bill is rooted in the principles of equality and justice, applying uniformly to all citizens irrespective of caste or religion. He stated that the law aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and protection, particularly for women and children.
One of the key highlights of the Bill is the mandatory registration of marriages within 60 days. Failure to comply may result in a penalty of up to ₹10,000. The legislation also introduces strict provisions against forced, fraudulent, or coerced marriages, with punishments of up to seven years in prison. Additionally, cases of multiple marriages will attract similar penalties.
The Bill also makes registration of live-in relationships compulsory. Non-compliance may lead to imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of ₹10,000. In cases where individuals between 18 and 21 years are involved, parents will be informed. The law also enforces strict penalties in cases involving coercion or fraud, and provisions under child protection laws apply if minors are involved.
For divorce, the Bill mandates that separation must be legally approved and registered through a court. Any divorce carried out without legal validation will be considered invalid and may attract punishment of up to three years. It also ensures that women have the right to remarry without restrictions.
The legislation further guarantees equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, reinforcing gender equality. It also provides legal recognition and protection for children, including rights to identity, maintenance, and inheritance.
According to the Chief Minister, the Bill has been framed after considering various Supreme Court judgments and studying similar laws in democratic nations. A high-level committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai played a crucial role in drafting the law after extensive public consultations.
The concept of a Uniform Civil Code is also mentioned under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which encourages the state to work towards a common civil law for all citizens.
The government believes that the implementation of the UCC will strengthen the social fabric of the state, promote gender justice, and create a more unified legal system aligned with the vision of development and equality.
