After Uttarakhand, Gujarat To Implement UCC; Bhupendra Patel Govt Forms 5-Member Panel, All About Uniform Civil Code

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced setting up a 5-member panel to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) proposal in the BJP-ruled state on Tuesday. The panel will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai.

"As we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to implement a uniform law across the country to ensure equal rights," CM Patel said during a press conference.

According to news agency reports, the committee will submit its report to the state government in 45 days, after which the decision on its implementation will be taken.

Other members of the committee include retired IAS CL Meena, Advocate RC Kodekar, former Vice Chancellor Dakshesh Thaker and social worker Geetaben Shroff.

What Is the Uniform Civil Code?

The Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of personal laws that apply to all citizens of India, irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Envisioned under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, the UCC aims to establish legal uniformity in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, aligning with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

The UCC seeks to promote equality in personal relationships and family rights by removing gender, religious, or traditional biases and ensuring that no religion receives preferential legal treatment.

Uttarakhand Becomes First Indian State To Implement UCC

Last month, Uttarakhand set the precedent by becoming the first state in India to implement the UCC. The state not only made the law applicable to its residents but also to people living outside.