New Delhi – On 17 September 2026, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to Gujarat’s Uniform Civil Code, removing the last constitutional obstacle. Having already cleared the state assembly, the bill now heads toward implementation, making Gujarat the second Indian state after Uttarakhand to obtain presidential clearance for a UCC.
Scope of the Gujarat UCC
The act consolidates personal law matters that were previously split along religious lines into a single statutory regime. It sets uniform criteria for entering marriage, establishes a common divorce procedure, and creates a single set of inheritance rules. Notably, the code prohibits remarriage while a spouse is alive, effectively banning polygamy.
Legal Recognition of Live‑in Partnerships
For the first time, the statute defines and regulates live‑in relationships. Couples are required to submit a registration statement, and the law outlines a clear mechanism for terminating such arrangements. The definition treats a live‑in partnership as a marriage‑like bond between a man and a woman sharing a household.
Equal Rights in Succession
Inheritance provisions have been overhauled to ensure sons and daughters enjoy identical rights. Property and succession issues will now be handled under one uniform set of rules, removing the gender bias that existed under earlier personal laws.
Tribal Exemptions
The legislation explicitly exempts Scheduled Tribes and other communities whose customary practices are constitutionally protected, allowing them to continue following their traditional personal laws.
From Legislative Passage to Presidential Signature
The Gujarat Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill on 24 March 2026 after a thorough debate. Following the assembly’s approval, the bill was sent to the President, whose assent was granted on 17 September 2026. The state now must draft detailed rules and administrative procedures to bring the code into force.
