Gujarat Gets Presidential Nod for Uniform Civil Code
Gujarat has become the second state after Uttarakhand to receive Presidential assent for a Uniform Civil Code, clearing the way for a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance and live-in relationships.
Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Gets Presidential Assent
The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, passed by the state Assembly in March 2026, has now received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent.
The law will replace different personal-law provisions with a common framework for specified civil matters. However, Scheduled Tribes have been exempted, preserving constitutional protections for customary practices.
The Act will formally come into force on a date to be notified separately by the Gujarat government.
Marriage and Divorce Rules Standardised
Under the Gujarat UCC, marriages involving residents of the state must be registered within 60 days, with penalties possible for non-compliance.
The minimum marriageable age remains 21 for men and 18 for women. The law prohibits polygamy and establishes common grounds for divorce, including cruelty, adultery, prolonged desertion, conversion and disappearance for seven years.
Registration of divorce will also be mandatory.
Live-In Relationships Covered Under Gujarat UCC
The legislation introduces registration requirements for live-in relationships, with couples required to submit declarations to designated authorities.
Children born from such relationships will be recognised as legitimate under the law.
Uniform provisions have also been introduced for succession, inheritance and wills, extending the code beyond marriage and divorce.
Gujarat follows Uttarakhand, which implemented its Uniform Civil Code in 2025. Assam has also passed similar legislation but is awaiting Presidential approval.
