AIMIM Leads Protest Against Proposed Gujarat UCC Bill Ahead of Key Assembly Debate
Synopsis
Protests erupted in Ahmedabad as AIMIM members rallied against the Gujarat government's Uniform Civil Code Bill, raising concerns about its implications on personal laws and religious values. The debate is set to take place next week.
Key Takeaways
Protests led by AIMIM against the Gujarat UCC Bill are raising significant concerns about personal laws.
The Bill aims for a standardized legal framework for marriage and inheritance across communities.
Police intervened to maintain order during the protest, which occurred without prior permission.
The legislation is set for debate on March 24 , amid heightened security measures.
Community voices highlight potential conflicts with Islamic Sharia law .
Ahmedabad, March 21 (NationPress) - Demonstrations erupted outside the Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad on Saturday as members of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) protested against the Gujarat government's proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which is set to be debated next week.
Taking place on Eid al-Fitr, the protest occurred without prior police consent.
Participants waved banners that proclaimed “Remove UCC, Save the Nation” and “Repeal UCC”, while chanting slogans against the Bill.
Several demonstrators expressed concerns regarding provisions they believe promote live-in relationships, conflicting with Islamic Sharia law.
One participant stated that their “Sharia does not allow it” and urged the government to withdraw this legislation.
Law enforcement intervened shortly after the protest commenced, detaining approximately 12-13 individuals to maintain public order.
The Bill, officially known as the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026, will be introduced next week following a report submitted by a high-level committee to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
This committee, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, was established to explore the implementation of a uniform civil code in the state and to draft a legal framework addressing key personal law issues across various communities.
Government officials indicated that the Bill intends to create a unified legal structure for marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, and live-in relationships for all Gujarat residents, regardless of religion, caste, or creed.
It aims to enforce mandatory registration of live-in relationships and outlines maintenance rights for partners, shared responsibilities for child-rearing, and penalties for non-compliance with certain stipulations.
Additionally, it seeks to standardize personal law matters, drawing inspiration from the Uniform Civil Code Act recently passed in Uttarakhand.
After a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, government spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani stated that the Bill would undergo further discussion in the assembly, assuring that “everyone would be given an opportunity to express their views.”
He labeled the legislation as “extremely important” for ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
Officials confirmed that the UCC Bill would be discussed and potentially passed on March 24, just a day before the conclusion of the ongoing Budget session.
During the Eid celebrations, police maintained heightened security around the mosque and in other sensitive areas of the city to prevent any escalation of tensions arising from the protest.
Point of View
It's crucial to navigate the diverse perspectives surrounding this legislation. The AIMIM’s demonstrations highlight significant concerns from the Muslim community regarding the potential conflicts with established religious laws. This discussion underscores the delicate balance between legislative intentions and community sentiments.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill?
The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill aims to create a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships for all residents of Gujarat, irrespective of their religion or caste.
Why are AIMIM members protesting?
AIMIM members are protesting because they believe the UCC Bill promotes live-in relationships that conflict with Islamic Sharia law.
When will the UCC Bill be debated?
The UCC Bill is scheduled for debate on March 24, just before the conclusion of the ongoing Budget session.
What provisions does the UCC Bill include?
The Bill proposes mandatory registration of live-in relationships, outlines maintenance rights for partners, and sets penalties for non-compliance with certain requirements.
Who is leading the committee studying the UCC implementation?
The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai.
