Gujarat Passes Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026

On March 24, 2026, the Gujarat Assembly passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, making Gujarat the second state after Uttarakhand to enact a UCC. The bill provides a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, applicable irrespective of religion (with exemptions).

Key Provisions:

• Compulsory registration of marriages and divorces (penalty up to ₹10,000 for non-compliance).
• Divorce only through court; polygamy banned.
• Coercive/fraudulent marriages: up to 7 years imprisonment.
• Regulation of live-in relationships — mandatory registration and notification of termination; children considered legitimate; deserted women entitled to maintenance.
• Remarriage allowed without conditions post-divorce; prohibition on practices like halala.
• Exemption for Scheduled Tribes to protect customary practices.

The bill followed recommendations from a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai (which received ~20 lakh public suggestions). It was passed by voice vote after debate; the government highlighted gender justice and equality, while opposition raised concerns over constitutional validity and scrutiny.