On 24 March 2026, the Gujarat Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill through a majority voice vote after an extensive debate lasting over seven hours. The bill was introduced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, following the submission of a report by a state-appointed panel.
With this, Gujarat became the second state in India after Uttarakhand (2024) to adopt a Uniform Civil Code.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Establishes a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion
- Makes registration of live-in relationships mandatory, along with provisions for their termination
- Prohibits bigamy, allowing marriage only if neither party has a living spouse
- Applies to residents of Gujarat, including those living outside the state
- The law will not apply to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and certain groups whose customary rights are constitutionally protected
