Gujarat Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill

The Gujarat Assembly passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026 on 24 March by a majority voice vote. With this, Gujarat became the second state after Uttarakhand to adopt a Uniform Civil Code.

The Bill seeks to establish a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships irrespective of religion, in line with Article 44 of the Constitution. It will apply across the state and to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits.

The Code mandates the registration of live-in relationships and provides procedures for their termination. It also prohibits bigamy, stating that no person can enter into a second marriage while their spouse is still alive, and a marriage will be valid only if neither party has a living spouse.

However, the law excludes Scheduled Tribes and certain communities whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution. The objective of the Code is to ensure uniformity in personal laws, promote gender justice, and simplify the legal system.