Published: 23 March 2026IANS / Outlook India / The QuintGovernance
Gujarat Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026, Becomes India's Second State After Uttarakhand
On March 24, 2026, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, by a majority voice vote after an extensive seven-hour debate, making Gujarat the second state in India to enact such legislation — after Uttarakhand (2024). The bill was drafted following recommendations of a committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, which received approximately 20 lakh public suggestions.
The UCC mandates a uniform framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships across all religious communities in Gujarat. Key provisions include: compulsory registration of marriages and divorces with penalties up to ₹10,000 for non-compliance; ban on polygamy; imprisonment up to seven years for coercive or fraudulent marriages; and prohibition of practices like halala. The law permits remarriage without conditions after legal divorce. The UCC will apply to all residents of Gujarat including those living outside the state, but Scheduled Tribes are explicitly exempted to protect their distinct customs and traditions.
The bill is constitutionally rooted in Article 44 (Directive Principles of State Policy), which calls for a uniform civil code for citizens. Its passage intensifies national debate on whether other BJP-ruled states, including Rajasthan, may follow suit. Rajasthan's Bhajanlal Sharma government has previously indicated its support for a national UCC, making this development highly relevant for RPSC RAS aspirants studying constitutional governance.
0Mains angle
Q: Examine the constitutional significance of Gujarat's Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 under Article 44, its key provisions on marriage and succession, and its Scheduled Tribes exemption.
Answer (50 words):
On 24 March 2026, Gujarat Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 by voice vote after seven-hour debate, becoming India's second UCC state after Uttarakhand. Drafted by Justice Ranjana Desai's committee with 20 lakh suggestions, it mandates uniform marriage, divorce and succession rules, bans polygamy, exempts Scheduled Tribes under Article 44.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026 was passed by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly in March 2026. Which of the following statements about the bill is/are CORRECT?
1. Gujarat becomes the second state after Uttarakhand to enact a UCC.
2. The bill was drafted by a committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai.
3. Scheduled Tribes are exempted from the provisions of the Gujarat UCC.
4. The bill is constitutionally rooted in Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
Explanation · Correct answer CStatements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect because the constitutional reference for a Uniform Civil Code is Article 44, a Directive Principle of State Policy, not Article 21. The Gujarat Bill expressly excludes Scheduled Tribes and persons or groups whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI of the Constitution.
Frequently asked questions
Which committee drafted the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026?
The Gujarat UCC Bill 2026 was drafted by the Justice Ranjana Desai Committee. The bill was passed by the Gujarat Assembly on March 24, 2026.
Which constitutional article provides for a Uniform Civil Code in India?
Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), directs the state to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens.
Which state became the first in India to enact a Uniform Civil Code?
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to enact a Uniform Civil Code in 2024. Gujarat became the second state to pass the UCC in March 2026.
Who is exempted from the provisions of the Gujarat UCC 2026?
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are exempted from the provisions of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code 2026, consistent with constitutional protections under Article 342.
What subjects does the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code 2026 regulate uniformly across religions?
The Gujarat UCC 2026 mandates uniform rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession applicable to all citizens of the state, replacing religion-specific personal laws.
