Today, On 4th February, The Gujarat government has formed a five-member committee to draft a proposal for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. This move aligns with the government’s aim to bring uniformity in personal laws across communities. The committee will study existing laws and suggest necessary reforms. The initiative follows similar efforts by other states to introduce UCC.
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government announced the formation of a five-member committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and create the associated law.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel addressed a press conference, stating,
“To prepare the draft for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and create the law, a five-member committee under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai has been constituted. The committee will submit its report to the state government in 45 days, after which the government will make a decision.”
Also Read: Uttarakhand Becomes the First State in India to Implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Patel emphasized that the Constitution of India is designed to fulfill citizens’ duties, adding,
“Under the leadership of Modi Ji, this year, we are celebrating 75 years of the Constitution. His goal is to implement the Common Civil Code nationwide so that everyone receives equal rights.”
He referenced the revocation of Article 370 and the banning of Triple Talaq, stating,
“Promises made regarding the abrogation of Article 370, One Nation One Election, and Triple Talaq are being fulfilled.”
He further noted,
“In alignment with this vision, Gujarat is actively working to realize Modi Ji’s resolve. The government is dedicated to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all.”
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi elaborated on the committee’s composition, which includes retired senior IAS officer C.L. Meena, Advocate R.C. Kodekar, former Vice Chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff.
Sanghavi stated,
“The Chief Minister has tasked this committee with conducting thorough research over the next 45 days and presenting a report to the government.”
Earlier this month, Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously mentioned the UCC in his Independence Day speech last year, saying,
“There was a long discussion there. After the debate, it was decided that it would be better if the government that gets elected takes a decision on this and implements UCC in the country… The Supreme Court has also stated multiple times that UCC should be introduced in the country… Keeping in mind the spirit of the Constitution and its framers, we are working diligently towards a Secular Civil Code.”
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed law in India that seeks to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures and customs with a common set of laws governing every citizen of the country, irrespective of religion. It is intended to provide uniformity in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance.
Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution states that the State shall endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens. However, Directive Principles are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by the courts.
- Article 162 of the Indian Constitution indicates that the executive power of a State extends to matters with respect to which the Legislature of the State has power to make laws. In view of the provisions of Entry 5 of the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule, the constitution of a Committee to introduce and implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) per se cannot be challenged as ultra vires.
- Entry 5 of the Concurrent List deals with “marriage and divorce; infants and minors; adoption; wills, intestacy, and succession; joint family and partition; all matters in respect of which parties in judicial proceedings were immediately before the commencement of this Constitution subject to their personal law.
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