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Gujarat Government Forms Five-Member Committee to Draft Uniform Civil Code

 Gandhinagar, India – The Gujarat government has constituted a five-member committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, to draft a proposal for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Announcing the decision on Tuesday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the committee would submit its report within 45 days, after which the government would take an appropriate decision based on its recommendations.

"To draft the Uniform Civil Code and frame the law, a five-member committee under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai has been established. The committee will submit its report to the state government in 45 days, upon which further steps will be taken," said Patel at a press conference.

UCC in the Context of National Reforms

Highlighting the constitutional significance of the move, Patel emphasized that the Indian Constitution upholds equal rights for all citizens.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are celebrating 75 years of the Constitution this year. His vision is to implement the Common Civil Code nationwide, ensuring equal rights for all," Patel stated, as quoted by ANI.

Drawing parallels to earlier legislative changes, Patel cited the revocation of Article 370 and the ban on Triple Talaq as milestones in the government's reform agenda.

"Promises made regarding Article 370, One Nation One Election, and Triple Talaq are being fulfilled. In the same spirit, Gujarat is working towards realizing the Prime Minister's vision for the UCC, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens," he added.

Composition of the Drafting Committee

The committee, chaired by Justice Ranjana Desai, comprises four other distinguished members from diverse professional backgrounds. CL Meena, a retired IAS officer, brings extensive administrative experience to the panel. RC Kodekar, an advocate, contributes legal expertise, ensuring that the draft aligns with constitutional principles. Daxesh Thakar, an educationist, provides insights into the socio-cultural implications of the proposed reforms. Gita Shroff, a social worker, offers a community-focused perspective, emphasizing the impact of the UCC on various sections of society. Together, this five-member committee is tasked with formulating a comprehensive and inclusive draft for the Uniform Civil Code.

Uttarakhand: The First State to Implement UCC

Gujarat's recent initiative follows the path set by Uttarakhand, which became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2024. The Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, is applicable to all residents of Uttarakhand, regardless of their religion, ensuring a uniform legal framework for personal laws.

The Act introduces several significant provisions, including a ban on polygamy and child marriage, the standardization of marriage laws across different communities, and a mandatory requirement for marriage registration within 60 days. These measures aim to promote uniformity and legal clarity in personal laws, enhancing equality and justice for all citizens of the state.

However, the UCC is not universally applicable. It excludes Scheduled Tribes notified under Articles 342 and 366(25) of the Constitution, as well as communities protected under Part XXI. This exception acknowledges the unique cultural and customary practices of these groups while ensuring that broader reforms in civil laws are implemented effectively across the state.

Key Provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

The primary objective of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is to simplify and streamline legal processes related to marriage while ensuring social harmony and the protection of personal rights. According to PTI reports, the law establishes clear eligibility criteria for marriage, stating that neither party should have a living spouse, and both individuals must be mentally competent and capable of giving consent. The legal marriage age is set at 21 years for men and 18 years for women, and marriages between individuals falling under prohibited relationships are not permitted.

The UCC also mandates marriage registration within 60 days of the ceremony. Marriages conducted between March 26, 2010, and the implementation of the Act must be registered within six months, while those conducted before March 26, 2010, may be registered voluntarily if they meet legal criteria. Individuals who have already registered their marriage do not need to re-register but are required to provide an acknowledgment as per the new law.

With Gujarat now taking steps towards drafting a
Uniform Civil Code, the move signals a broader push for legal uniformity and equality in personal laws across India. The committee’s recommendations will be pivotal in shaping the state's legislative approach to implementing the UCC.

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