What Progress Has Been Made on the Gujarat UCC Draft?
Synopsis
Gujarat's high-level committee, led by Justice Ranjana Desai, recently reviewed the Uniform Civil Code draft, focusing on key issues like marriage, divorce, and inheritance. This initiative aims to create a fair legal framework for all citizens, reflecting a significant step towards social equity.
Key Takeaways
Committee Meeting: The Gujarat government’s committee reviewed the UCC draft's progress.
Core Issues: Key discussions focused on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Equal Rights: The UCC aims to establish a legal framework ensuring equality for all citizens.
Community Interests: The drafting process considers diverse community perspectives.
National Context: The UCC is part of a broader national conversation on legal uniformity.
Gandhinagar, Feb 19 (NationPress) A prominent committee established by the Gujarat government to formulate a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) convened to assess its progress during a meeting in New Delhi on February 18, officials reported on Thursday.
The session was led by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai.
The discussions concentrated on the current state of the Gujarat UCC draft, examining various critical elements of the proposed legislation.
In-depth conversations took place regarding provisions related to marriage, divorce, inheritance rights, and adoption, which are foundational to personal civil law.
Justice Desai remarked that the realization of the UCC within the state would forge a modern and equality-centric legal framework, ensuring equal rights and justice for all citizens.
She noted that the draft aims to establish consistency in civil laws while preserving social harmony.
The committee evaluated the draft prepared so far and considered the feedback collected from previous consultations.
Members shared their perspectives on the final conclusions, which reflect the suggestions received from the public and discussions with various social and religious groups.
The committee reiterated that it is taking into account the interests of all communities throughout the drafting process.
Other attendees included retired IAS officer C. L. Meena, advocate R. C. Kodekar, former vice-chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Geetaben Shroff.
Last year, the state government formed this five-member committee to examine and draft a UCC for Gujarat.
In line with its mandate, the panel has solicited input from citizens, institutions, and organizations, and has engaged in discussions with stakeholders from various societal segments.
This initiative follows broader national conversations regarding the execution of UCC, mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution of India as a Directive Principle of State Policy.
Article 44 indicates that the state shall strive to ensure a uniform civil code for all citizens across India.
In recent years, this topic has gained increased attention, with Uttarakhand becoming the pioneering state to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
Gujarat's endeavor represents a significant state-level initiative to assess the viability and structure of such a law, with the committee continuing its discussions before delivering its final recommendations to the state government.
Point of View
The ongoing discussions around the Gujarat UCC draft highlight the importance of establishing a uniform civil code that encompasses the diverse needs of all communities. This initiative not only aligns with constitutional principles but also promotes social equity, a crucial aspect for a progressive society.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposal aimed at replacing personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen.
Why is the UCC important?
The UCC is essential for ensuring equal rights and justice for all citizens, regardless of their religion or community, thereby promoting gender equality and social harmony.
Who is leading the committee for the UCC in Gujarat?
The committee is chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai.
What aspects of law are being reviewed in the UCC draft?
The draft reviews provisions related to marriage, divorce, inheritance rights, and adoption.
How does the UCC relate to the Constitution of India?
The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy, which encourages the state to secure a uniform civil code for all citizens.
