In a landmark decision, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced the formation of a five-member committee to draft a state-level Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The move, hailed by the state’s leadership as a step that upholds the “spirit of the Constitution,” aims to ensure equality and unity among all citizens of Gujarat, regardless of religious background.
Gujarat’s Home Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, underscored the significance of the UCC in promoting harmony by providing equal rights to all citizens. He emphasized that the UCC aligns with the core principles of the Indian Constitution and seeks to unify diverse communities under a common legal framework.
In an interaction with IANS, Sanghavi elaborated on the expectations from the newly constituted committee, which will be led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai. The panel, which includes four other members, has been assigned the task of preparing a detailed report on the UCC within 45 days. The committee’s recommendations will take into account the rights and concerns of all sections of society in Gujarat.
Sanghavi also pointed to Uttarakhand’s recent adoption of the UCC as a model for other states to follow. On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement a UCC, setting a precedent for Gujarat and potentially influencing a nationwide shift in personal laws. Gujarat’s leadership believes that its initiative could pave the way for a broader movement, fundamentally altering India’s legal landscape.
Political Reactions and Opposition
The Gujarat government’s decision has ignited significant opposition from political leaders, particularly from parties like the National Conference and the Congress. Critics argue that the ruling BJP is using the UCC debate as a political tool to divert attention from pressing national concerns.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah refrained from commenting extensively on the matter, merely stating that the government should proceed as it sees fit.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar, however, was vocal in his criticism. He accused the BJP of deliberately steering the national discourse away from urgent issues by pushing the UCC agenda. According to Anwar, the move is not about legal reform but about fostering division and fueling communal tensions.
He further stressed the necessity of a wider political dialogue before implementing such a transformative law. Anwar argued that the drafting of a UCC requires consultation with various political parties and communities to ensure inclusivity. He also pointed out that if implementing a UCC were as simple as the BJP claims, it would have been done at the time of India’s independence.
Implications of Gujarat’s UCC Initiative
Gujarat’s move comes in the wake of Uttarakhand’s historic adoption of the UCC, which introduced new regulations covering live-in relationships and other personal laws. As the second state actively working towards implementing such a legal framework, Gujarat’s efforts are being closely watched, as they could set the tone for a nationwide shift.
With India’s diverse population governed by multiple personal laws based on religion, the push for a uniform civil code is expected to stir intense debate. Supporters of the UCC argue that it is a necessary step toward ensuring equal rights for all citizens, while critics fear it may erode cultural and religious diversity.
As Gujarat proceeds with the drafting process, the political and social discourse surrounding the UCC is likely to intensify. While proponents see it as a move toward national integration, skeptics question whether the policy will genuinely foster unity or deepen divisions within India’s pluralistic society.
With the committee set to submit its report within 45 days, Gujarat’s approach will play a crucial role in shaping future discussions on the UCC across the country. The debate will center around whether a balance between national unity and cultural diversity can be achieved—and whether a uniform legal system is truly feasible in a country as vast and varied as India.
