Gujarat – Uniform Civil Code
- Context: Gujarat has become the second state following Uttarakhand to enact the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in 2026.
- Approved by the State Legislative Assembly, this law regulates marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships under a single legal framework, irrespective of religion.
About the Uniform Civil Code
- It aims to replace religion-specific personal laws by introducing a uniform, common law that applies equally to all individuals, regardless of their religion, caste, creed, gender, or sexual orientation.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 44 of the Indian Constitution serves as a directive principle, guiding the State to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout India.
- Matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance are listed in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule to the Indian Constitution.
Current Facts- Purchasing Managers’ Index
- It is a measure of economic activity in both the manufacturing and services industries.
- It is based on surveys that ask participants to report how key business factors have changed compared to the previous month.
- Separate indices are prepared for the manufacturing and services sectors, which are then combined to form an overall composite index.
- This index indicates whether business conditions, according to purchasing managers, are improving, worsening, or remaining unchanged.
Current Status of UCC in India-
- Currently, a Uniform Civil Code is not in force on a nationwide basis in India.
- Uttarakhand was the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
- Goa follows a common civil code system based on the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867.
The Supreme Court’s Stance
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- In cases such as Shah Bano (1985) and Sarla Mudgal (1995), the Supreme Court of India has recommended the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.
- In the Shayara Bano vs. Union of India (2017) case, the Supreme Court ruled that the practice of Triple Talaq was unconstitutional and violated the dignity and equality of Muslim women.
21st Law Commission of India (2018)
- In 2018, the 21st Law Commission of India stated that, at this stage, a Uniform Civil Code is “neither necessary nor desirable.” Furthermore, it recommended undertaking reforms in personal laws to ensure gender justice.
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