Gujarat Tables Uniform Civil Code Bill To Standardise Marriage, Inheritance and Live-In Laws
Gandhinagar: Gujarat has introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in its legislative assembly, proposing a unified legal structure to regulate personal matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships across all communities, tabled by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday.
The draft legislation seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a common framework applicable to all citizens in the state. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring greater legal clarity, transparency, and equality in civil matters.
A key feature of the bill is the compulsory registration of live-in relationships. Couples will be required to formally declare their relationship to authorities within a specified period, failing which penalties may be imposed. The proposal also lays down conditions under which such relationships can be registered, including restrictions related to age, marital status, and prohibited degrees of relationship.
The bill further mandates the registration of marriages and introduces uniform procedures for divorce and maintenance. It also recognises children born out of live-in relationships as legitimate, granting them equal rights, including inheritance.
Modelled in part on Uttarakhand’s UCC law, the Gujarat proposal aims to harmonise personal laws that currently differ across religious and cultural groups, as noted by various reports..
Additionally, the legislation includes provisions related to inheritance and succession, seeking to simplify and standardise these processes. It is based on recommendations from a committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai.
Government officials have emphasised that the bill addresses civil matters only and does not interfere with religious practices. The proposal is being positioned as a step towards gender equality and a more consistent legal system for citizens.