Gujarat Forms 5-Member Panel Led by Ex-SC Judge to Draft Uniform Civil Code

Gujarat Forms 5-Member Panel Led by Ex-SC Judge: The Gujarat government on Tuesday announced a five-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai to prepare the draft for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel said at a press conference,"To prepare the draft for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and create the law, a 5-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, based on which the government will take a decision."

Patel further stated that the Constitution of India is “for fulfilling the duties of citizens”.

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"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 gets equal rights," ANI quoted Patel as saying.

Citing the revocation of Article 370 and the banning of Triple Talaq, Patel said, "Promises made regarding the abrogation of Article 370, One Nation One Election, and Triple Talaq are being fulfilled."

"In the same direction, Gujarat is continuously working to fulfil Modi Ji's resolve. The government is working to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all," the Gujarat CM stated.

The committee will also include retired IAS officer CL Meena, advocate RC Kodekar, educationist Daxesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff.

Uttarakhand 1st state to implement UCC

As of January 27, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to enforce the Uniform Civil Code.

The Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, mandates that the laws apply to all residents of the state, irrespective of religion, and also outlaw polygamy and child marriage.

However, the Act does not apply to Scheduled Tribes notified under Articles 342 and 366 (25) of the Constitution and protected persons and communities under Part XXI.

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The primary aims and provisions of the UCC relate to the simplification, streamlining, and transparency of marriage. The law promotes social harmony, subject to the protection of personal rights. It defines the eligibility criteria for marriage: neither party should have a living spouse, says PTI.

Chapter one of the UCC relating to marriage and divorce states that clearly, the marriage can be solemnized/contracted between a man and a woman if the eligible age for marriage has been attained and neither party has a spouse living at the time of marriage. Both ought to be mentally fit and capable of consenting to marriage.

The UCC says a man is legally allowed to marry at the age of 21 years and a woman at 18 years; both must not fall under prohibited relationships. It also makes it mandatory to get the marriage registered within 60 days, but not registering the marriage will not nullify it according to the UCC.

The Act stipulates that marriage ceremonies celebrated between March 26, 2010, and the implementation of the Act are to be registered within six months. Marriages celebrated before March 26, 2010, may do so as well, provided that all the legal requirements for their solemnization are met (but it is not mandatory).

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