30 March 2026 Legal Updates

Gujarat Becomes Second State To Pass Law On Uniform Civil Code

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) – Complete Explanation

1. What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

• Uniform Civil Code (UCC) means one common set of civil laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion.
• It governs: Marriage, Divorce, Maintenance, Adoption, Succession / inheritance, Live-in relationships
• Idea: Same law for everyone → No separate personal laws based on religion

2. Constitutional Basis

• Mentioned under Article 44 of the Constitution of India
• It is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP)
• Article 44 says: State shall endeavour to secure a UCC for citizens

Important:

• Not enforceable by courts
• But guides law-making

3. Current System (Before UCC)

India follows Personal Laws based on religion:

Result: Different rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance

4. Gujarat UCC (2026) – Key Highlights

• Gujarat becomes 2nd state after Uttarakhand
• Applies to: All residents (even outside state)
• Exclusion: Scheduled Tribes (customary protection)

5. Why UCC?

What are the objectives-

1. Equality (Article 14)

• Same laws for all → no discrimination

2. Gender Justice

• Removes discriminatory practices (e.g., unequal inheritance)

3. National Integration

• One nation → one law

4. Legal Simplicity

• Avoids confusion of multiple personal laws

6. Arguments AGAINST UCC

• Religious Freedom Concern- Linked with Article 25 of the Constitution of India
• Cultural Diversity- India has plural traditions
• Fear of Majoritarian Law- Minority communities may feel threatened

7. Supreme Court’s View on UCC

The Supreme Court of India has:

• Repeatedly supported UCC in principle
• Called it: Necessary for gender justice, Important for legal uniformity
• But: Court says → Parliament must enact it, not judiciary

Key Judgments on UCC

• Shah Bano Case → Highlighted need for UCC
• Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India → Misuse of personal laws
• Shayara Bano v. Union of India → Reform in personal laws

Important Concepts

• Personal Law: Law based on religion governing family matters
• Directive Principles (DPSP): Non-enforceable but important for governance
• Secularism: State treats all religions equally → UCC supports this