Gandhinagar: Gujarat has taken a significant step towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a five-member committee submitted its final report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday. The draft emphasizes a uniform legal framework across religions and communities while prioritizing women’s rights and protection.
Uniform Legal Framework for All Communities
The committee’s report proposes a common legal structure for key personal matters, including:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Inheritance
- Adoption
The aim is to replace separate personal laws with a unified system that applies equally to all citizens, irrespective of religion or community.
Read also: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Launches Development Projects Worth ₹1,100 Crore in Panchmahal and Dahod
Focus on Women’s Rights and Protection
A major highlight of the report is the emphasis on gender equality. The draft ensures that women receive equal rights and protection under the law, addressing discrimination and promoting empowerment.
The committee also considered Gujarat’s geographical and cultural diversity, aiming to balance traditional practices with modern legal principles.
Three-Part Comprehensive Report
The final report was handed over to the Chief Minister by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai in Gandhinagar.
The committee, which included experts from law, administration, education, and social work, prepared the report in three detailed sections, covering legal frameworks and practical recommendations. Members included:
- Retired IAS officer C.L. Meena
- Senior advocate R.C. Kodekar
- Former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dakshesh Thaker (Veer Narmad South Gujarat University)
- Social activist Geeta Shroff
Each member contributed insights from their respective fields to ensure the draft is balanced, inclusive, and actionable.
Next Steps for Implementation
The Gujarat government will now study the report and decide on the next steps for implementation. If enacted, Gujarat could become one of the few Indian states to take concrete measures towards a Uniform Civil Code, setting a precedent for legal equality across communities.
Read also: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Distributes ₹36.7 Crore Mobility Devices to 5,676 Divyang Beneficiaries
