Published: 25 March 2026DD News / LiveLaw / Outlook India / CMO GujaratGovernance
Second State to Pass Uniform Civil Code Bill in 2026: Gujarat
On March 25–26, 2026, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly passed the 'Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026' after over seven hours of debate, making Gujarat the second state in India to enact a UCC, after Uttarakhand which enacted its UCC in 2024.
Key provisions of the Gujarat UCC: (i) A single legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession, adoption, and live-in relationships irrespective of religion; (ii) Mandatory registration of marriages within 60 days (non-compliance attracts a fine of up to ₹10,000); (iii) Mandatory registration of live-in relationships — failure may result in imprisonment up to 3 months or fine of ₹10,000; (iv) If live-in partners are between 18–21 years, parents must be notified; (v) Forced, coerced, or fraudulent marriages attract up to 7 years' imprisonment; (vi) Exemptions apply to Scheduled Tribes and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution.
The bill was passed by voice vote. The opposition Congress and AAP demanded referral to a select committee, calling it 'targeted and divisive.' Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the passage as a 'historic step.' The debate around UCC is directly relevant to Rajasthan, where similar legislation may be considered, and which is a high-priority constitutional law topic for RPSC RAS Paper-III.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the key provisions and constitutional implications of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026.
Answer (50 words):
On 25-26 March 2026, the Gujarat Assembly passed the Gujarat UCC 2026 after a 7-hour debate, making Gujarat the second UCC state after Uttarakhand (2024). Mandatory marriage registration within 60 days carries up to ₹10,000 fine; live-in registration failure invites up to 3 months jail or ₹10,000 fine. Scheduled Tribes are exempted.
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Linked questionMedium
Under the Gujarat UCC 2026, within how many days must marriages be mandatorily registered to avoid a fine of up to ₹10,000?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe Gujarat UCC 2026 mandates registration of marriages within 60 days, failing which a fine of up to ₹10,000 may be levied.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the second state in India to pass a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill?
Gujarat became the second state to pass a Uniform Civil Code bill in 2026, after Uttarakhand which was the first state to enact UCC in 2024.
Under which constitutional article does the concept of Uniform Civil Code fall?
The Uniform Civil Code is enshrined under Article 44 of the Constitution of India, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). It directs the State to endeavour to secure a uniform civil code for citizens throughout the territory of India.
What are the key provisions of Gujarat's UCC Bill 2026?
Gujarat's UCC Bill 2026 mandates marriage registration within 60 days of solemnization, requires registration of live-in relationships, and applies to all religious communities except Scheduled Tribes, who are exempt to protect their customs and traditions.
Why are Scheduled Tribes exempted from the UCC provisions in both Uttarakhand and Gujarat?
Scheduled Tribes are exempted from UCC provisions in both Uttarakhand and Gujarat to protect their distinct customary laws, traditions, and tribal practices. This exemption recognises the constitutional protections afforded to tribal communities under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
After how many hours of debate did Gujarat pass the UCC Bill 2026?
Gujarat passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 after a 7-hour legislative debate on March 25–26, 2026.
