New Delhi : Gujarat’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill has received the President’s assent on 17 September, 2026. Following this, the State government has issued a gazette notification to initiate the process of implementation of the law.
The President has given assent to the Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 also on 29 September, 2026. This expedites the process of the enactment of uniform civil codes in the country, beginning with Uttarakhand which has already implemented the law.
The Gujarat UCC includes several new rules, from marriage registration to monogamy and live-in relationships. Sons and daughters will have equal property rights. In the event of an intestate death, the rights of spouses, children, and parents have been defined.
Children born through surrogacy and adoption will also have equal legal rights. The implementation of the law will mean people will have to follow the rules under it in many matters relating to family and personal law.
The law shall not apply to the members of Scheduled Tribes within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 342 of the Constitution of India and the persons and group of persons whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI of the Constitution of India.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill said that in pursuance of the constitutional mandate enshrined under Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which calls upon the State to endeavour to secure for its citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory, the Government of Gujarat had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Justice (R.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, to assess the need for implementing Uniform Civil Code in Gujarat.
The Bill sought to give effect to the committee’s recommendations by providing a uniform legal framework governing civil matters for all citizens of the State, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, or gender.
It aims to uphold the principles of secularism, gender justice, and social reform, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of society.
The Bill was brought with the conviction that a Uniform Civil Code will not only fulfil the vision of the framers of the Constitution but also promote fairness, inclusivity, and progressive social values in the State.
