Gujarat forms 5-member panel to assess need for Uniform Civil Code, draft bill

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Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has formed a five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai, to assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and draft a bill for its implementation. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that the committee will submit its report within 45 days.
The panel will consult religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community, and seek input from various sections of society, reported PTI. Other members include retired IAS officer CL Meena, advocate RC Kodekar, former Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff.
The opposition has criticized the move, alleging that it is an attempt to divert attention from pressing issues ahead of local body elections. Leader of Opposition Amit Chavda claimed the UCC would affect the customs, religious rites, and marriage systems of tribal communities, Jains, and Devipujaks, who make up a significant portion of Gujarat’s population. He also argued that the implementation of UCC falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, not the state.
Aam Aadmi Party state president Isudan Gadhvi accused the BJP of using the UCC issue for electoral gains, citing its timing before polls. He warned that if the law is enforced, it could alienate the tribal vote. Gadhvi also noted that many communities, such as the Maldharis, resolve domestic disputes through internal mechanisms, and imposing a uniform code could disrupt traditional practices.
AIMIM leader Danish Siddique alleged that the UCC is being used to target Muslims and expressed scepticism about the committee’s impartiality. He argued that if tribals were excluded from the law, it would not truly be a Uniform Civil Code.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi defended the decision, stating that the UCC will protect tribal traditions, as seen in the model implemented by BJP-ruled Uttarakhand. He emphasized that Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that tribal customs will remain safeguarded.
Committee members Gita Shroff and Dakshesh Thakar highlighted the potential benefits of the UCC, particularly for women. Shroff, citing her three decades of experience, said the law would help address injustices faced by women and children. Thakar referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Shah Bano case, which called for a uniform law to eliminate contradictions in personal laws.
CM Patel reiterated that the UCC aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and commitment to implementing a common civil code across the country. The government will take an "appropriate decision" after reviewing the committee’s findings.