Gujarat Set to Become the Second State to Adopt UCC
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Synopsis
Gujarat is preparing to implement the Uniform Civil Code, becoming the second state in India to do so after Uttarakhand. Law Minister Rushikesh Patel emphasized the government's commitment to equal justice and judicial efficiency in his address on the new budget.
Key Takeaways
- The implementation of UCC aims for equal justice.
- Gujarat will have new Arbitration Tribunals.
- Significant funds allocated for judicial infrastructure.
- Special courts set up for various legal provisions.
- A strong focus on victim compensation and swift case resolution.
Gandhinagar, March 26 (NationPress) The Law Minister Rushikesh Patel announced on Wednesday that Gujarat is poised to become the second state in India, following Uttarakhand, to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
“This initiative seeks to promote equal justice for every citizen, reflecting the vision of ‘One India, Best India’,” stated the Law Minister during an Assembly discussion after the unveiling of the Gujarat Budget 2025-26.
In his address regarding the budget requests for the Law Department, Patel outlined several significant measures aimed at enhancing judicial processes and upgrading legal infrastructure.
He disclosed plans for the creation of three new Arbitration Tribunals in Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara, which will also address cases from municipal corporations and panchayats.
“As part of the E-Court Mission Mode Project, the state government has designated Rs 27.84 crore for the digitization of the High Court and subordinate courts, ensuring improved efficiency and access in judicial affairs,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Patel noted that over the past year, district judiciary courts have effectively resolved 18,41,016 cases, underscoring a commitment to prompt justice delivery.
“The state has instituted 595 special courts, including those focused on atrocities, the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act, and other specialized legal frameworks,” he continued.
He also shared that under the Gujarat Victim Compensation Scheme 2019, the government has dispensed Rs 39 crore in compensation within the last three years to victims of atrocities, acid attacks, and sexual offenses.
“To bolster judicial infrastructure, the government has allocated Rs 73.70 crore for the construction of 10 new court buildings across various districts and talukas,” he added.
Patel further revealed that 75 exclusive special courts have been established for cases related to atrocities, comprising 16 exclusive special courts and 59 designated special courts.
“In the past year, 1,171 cases under the Atrocities Act have been resolved, and on February 11, 2025, the Gujarat High Court issued directives for the expedited handling of pending cases in district courts,” he concluded.
