Gujarat assembly passes UCC Bill after over 7-hour debate amid Congress's strong opposition

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after a marathon debate of more than seven hours, with the ruling BJP hailing it as a landmark reform to ensure equality, while the Congress vehemently opposed it saying it violates fundamental right and was "anti-Muslim".

The bill, which proposes a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion, was passed with majority voice vote as opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not approve it and demanded that it be sent to the select committee.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tabled the bill earlier in the day, a week after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on implementation of the UCC.

With the passage of the bill, BJP-ruled Gujarat became the second state in the country after Uttarakhand to pass the UCC. Uttarakhand became the first state to pass a UCC Bill in February 2024.

Titled the 'Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026', the proposed law will extend to the entire state and also apply to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits.

However, the bill document states that the code will not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution.

The "Objects and Reasons" of the bill say the code aims to create a uniform legal framework.

Among other things, it provides for registration of live-in relationships, as well as their termination through a formal declaration.

The bill also prohibits bigamy, meaning a person cannot enter into a second marriage while their spouse is alive. It states that a marriage is considered valid under the code only if neither party has a living spouse at the time of marriage.

While tabling the bill, CM Patel described it as a step towards a unified legal framework rooted in constitutional principles.

"A common legal framework is necessary for a united and undivided nation, and that reflects our Vedic knowledge. Our ancient verses also say that the truth is one, even if expressed in different ways; and if the truth is one, then even if religions are many, justice must be one," Patel said.

Referring to the Constitution of India, he added, "Under Article 14 of the Constitution, equality before the law has been ensured for every citizen of the country. And Article 44 of that same Constitution directs the state to move towards a Uniform Civil Code. Now, the implementation of the UCC will reject any policy or dispute involving division or discrimination among citizens based on their religion or caste." The CM said the legislation would apply uniformly to all citizens, and reflects "the expectations, aspirations, and desires of the citizens of Gujarat for equal justice." Senior Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar, however, opposed it saying, "You brought this bill in a haste in view of the upcoming assembly elections in 2027. We demand that it should be sent to the assembly's select committee." Another senior Congress MLA Amit Chavda alleged that the bill violates constitutional guarantees.

"Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all persons. It appears that this bill violates this fundamental right. You want to snatch people's rights with the help of majority in the House," he said.

Congress legislator Imran Khedawala called the legislation as "anti-Muslim".