Gujarat Passes UCC Bill: Live-in Registration Mandatory, Sparks Political Debate
In a significant and debated move, the Gujarat Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after over seven hours of intense discussion. The law aims to create a common set of rules for all citizens in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and even live-in relationships—regardless of religion.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who introduced the bill, described it as a step toward equality and unity. He said the law is rooted in constitutional values and ensures that justice remains the same for everyone, no matter their background.
One of the key highlights of the bill is that it makes registration of both marriages and live-in relationships mandatory. If a marriage is not registered within 60 days, a fine of up to ₹10,000 can be imposed. For live-in relationships, failure to register could lead to up to three months in jail or a fine.
The bill also introduces strict penalties—up to seven years of imprisonment—for cases involving forced marriages, fraud, or practices like bigamy and polygamy. According to the government, these provisions are aimed at protecting individuals, especially women, and ensuring fairness in personal laws.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the bill as a “landmark reform” that promotes equality. However, the opposition, led by the Indian National Congress, has strongly criticized it, calling it unconstitutional and alleging that it targets specific communities.
This makes Gujarat the second state in India to pass a UCC law, after Uttarakhand, which introduced a similar law in 2024.The government has clarified that the new law will not interfere with religious practices or rituals and that Scheduled Tribes have been exempted to protect their traditional rights.
Supporters argue that the bill is a much-needed step toward a unified legal system, ensuring equal rights for all citizens. Critics, however, believe it may interfere with personal and religious freedoms and are planning protests and legal challenges.
As the debate continues, the UCC in Gujarat has become a major talking point across the country—raising important questions about equality, identity, and the balance between law and tradition.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
