Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Assembly has cleared the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, with a majority, becoming the second state after Uttarakhand to pass legislation proposing a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships irrespective of religion.
The Bill was tabled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a week after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of the UCC. The proposed law will extend to the entire state and also apply to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits, with the exception of Scheduled Tribes and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution.
The Bill aims to create a uniform legal framework, as per its “Objects and Reasons" statement. Among other things, it provides for registration of live-in relationships, as well as their termination through a formal declaration. It also removes disqualifications based on physical or mental disability, while barring certain categories, such as individuals responsible for the death of the deceased.
