Gujarat assembly passes UCC Bill after over 7-hour debate

The Gujarat assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after a marathon debate of more than seven hours, with the ruling BJP hailing it as a landmark reform to ensure equality, while the Congress vehemently opposed it saying it violates fundamental right and was "anti-Muslim". The bill, which proposes a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion, was passed with majority voice vote as opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not approve it and demanded that it be sent to the select committee.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tabled the bill earlier in the day, a week after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on implementation of the UCC.Titled the ‘Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026’, the proposed law will extend to the entire state and also apply to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits. However, the bill document states that the code will not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution. The “Objects and Reasons” of the bill say the code aims to create a uniform legal framework.
CM Patel described it as a step towards a unified legal framework rooted in constitutional principles. “A common legal framework is necessary for a united and undivided nation, and that reflects our Vedic knowledge. Our ancient verses also say that the truth is one, even if expressed in different ways; and if the truth is one, then even if religions are many, justice must be one,” Patel said.“Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all persons. It appears that this bill violates this fundamental right. You want to snatch people’s rights with the help of majority in the House,” he said.
Gujarat Minister Jitu Vaghani says, "The UCC (Uniform Civil Code) does not just represent a bill; it expresses the voice of the people of Gujarat. No country can operate with a dual system of laws. The UCC is not against any religion. The Congress opposed it in the assembly in various ways, raising election-related arguments."

Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Minister Jitu Vaghani says, "...The UCC (Uniform Civil Code) does not just represent a bill; it expresses the voice of the people of Gujarat. No country can operate with a dual system of laws. The UCC is not against any religion. The Congress opposed it in… pic.twitter.com/jc75puQM5x

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Among other things, it provides for registration of live-in relationships, as well as their termination through a formal declaration. The bill also prohibits bigamy, meaning a person cannot enter into a second marriage while their spouse is alive. It states that a marriage is considered valid under the code only if neither party has a living spouse at the time of marriage.

(State Correspondent)