Gujarat UCC Law 2026: Key Provisions, Live-in Rules & Implications
Gujarat has become the second Indian state after Uttarakhand to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026. Approved on March 24, the legislation introduces a common legal framework governing personal laws across communities.
Key Provisions of the UCC Bill
The law mandates compulsory registration of marriages and divorces, with penalties of up to ₹10,000 for violations. Divorce is permitted only through legal procedures approved by courts. Practices such as polygamy have been prohibited, while coercive or fraudulent marriages can attract imprisonment of up to seven years. It also allows remarriage without restrictions and restricts practices like halala in certain contexts.
Regulation of Live-in Relationships
A notable feature of the law is the formal regulation of live-in relationships. Couples must register such arrangements, and termination must also be officially declared. Children born from these unions are granted legitimacy. Women abandoned in such relationships are entitled to maintenance, ensuring legal protection and financial security.
Exemptions and Legislative Process
The UCC provisions exclude Scheduled Tribes, recognising their customary practices and cultural autonomy. The draft was prepared based on recommendations of a committee headed by Justice Ranjana Desai, which examined nearly 20 lakh public suggestions. While the government presented the move as reform-oriented, opposition voices raised concerns regarding constitutional interpretation and legislative scrutiny.
Debate and Broader Implications
The legislation has reignited discussions around the Uniform Civil Code at the national level. Proponents argue it advances gender equality and legal uniformity, while critics question its compatibility with fundamental rights and cultural diversity. The move marks a significant development in India’s legal and social reform landscape.
Exam-Focused Points
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Gujarat becomes 2nd state after Uttarakhand to pass UCC
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Based on Article 44 (Directive Principles of State Policy)
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Covers: Marriage, divorce, succession, live-in relationships
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Polygamy banned , compulsory registration mandated
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Scheduled Tribes exempted
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Committee led by Justice Ranjana Desai
Month: Current Affairs - March 25, 2026
Category: Polity, Governance