Gandhinagar, March 18 The Gujarat government on Wednesday introduced the 'Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026' bill in the state assembly, which aims to regulate laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, regardless of religion, caste, community, or gender.
The bill was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi a day after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The bill is expected to be taken up for discussion and approval on March 25, the last day of the budget session.
Entitled the 'Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026', the proposed law will apply to the entire state and also to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits.
However, the bill document, uploaded on the official website of the assembly, states that it will not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution.
The bill aims to create a uniform legal framework, as stated in its "Objects and Reasons" statement.
"The present bill seeks to implement these recommendations by providing a uniform legal framework governing civil matters for all citizens of the State, regardless of religion, caste, community, or gender. It aims to uphold the principles of secularism, gender justice, and social reform, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of society," it said.
Among its key provisions, the bill lays down conditions for a valid marriage, including the prohibition of bigamy, and a minimum age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
It also mandates the compulsory registration of marriage and divorce decrees, with penalties for non-compliance, although non-registration will not invalidate a marriage.
The legislation provides for grounds of divorce and also for the grant of maintenance, alimony, and custody of children.
The bill also standardizes inheritance laws by laying down rules for the distribution of property among heirs and permitting testamentary succession through wills.
It also introduces provisions for the registration of live-in relationships, recognition of children born out of such relationships, and maintenance rights, along with procedures for registration and termination of such arrangements.