Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel introduces Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026 in Assembly

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel introduced the Uniform Civil Code, 2026 in Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday.

The 209 page bill covers the aspects of marriage and divorce, live in relationships, and inheritance. However, once passed, the act shall not apply on the scheduled tribes of the state whose rights and customs are otherwise protected by the Constitution of India.

It may be remembered that Gujarat Government hadd appointed a five member committee under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, that comprised of etired bureaucrat CL Meena, senior advocate RC Kodekar, former vice chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Dakshesh Thakar and social activist Geeta Shroff in February 2025 to study the subject and draft the Code.


Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi called the day historic and the treasury bench raised Jay Shri Ram slogan as the Chief Minister introduced the bill in the house.

While the bill prohibits filing of divorce within one year of marriage, it also mandates registration of live-in relationships and in case either of live in partner is aged less than 21 years, the guardian or the parents of the partner would be notified under the bill.

The bill also has penal provisions for non-registration of live-in relation ships for unto Rs, 10000 fine or three months of jail term.