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Gujarat UCC Bill: A Step for Equality or a Threat to Religious Freedom?

The National Woman President of Vishva Hindu Raksha Parishad, Yamuna Pathak, has welcomed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, framing it as a fulfillment of constitutional directive for equality. She argues that a modern democracy cannot sustain different legal standards based on religion and that the UCC will standardize rights in matters like marriage and inheritance. The bill, passed by the Gujarat Assembly, is the second state-level UCC after Uttarakhand and aims to provide stronger legal protection for women. The move is opposed by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which calls the bill constitutionally flawed and a violation of religious freedom.

Key Points: Gujarat UCC Bill Passed: Equality Vision vs. Religious Rights Debate

  • UCC aims for equal civil laws
  • Strengthens justice in marriage, inheritance
  • Promotes national integration
  • Faces opposition from Muslim law board
  • Part of Modi's "Ek Bharat" vision
2 min read

"Clear constitutional vision, directing equal civil laws for all citizens": VHPR National Women's Chief on Gujarat UCC Bill

VHPR supports Gujarat's Uniform Civil Code Bill as constitutional equality, while AIMPLB opposes it as a violation of religious freedom and civil liberties.

"The Uniform Civil Code is not an imposition but a clear constitutional vision. - Yamuna Pathak"

Hyderabad, April 4

Welcoming the passage of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, National Woman President of Vishva Hindu Raksha Parishad Yamuna Pathak on Saturday said a modern democracy cannot sustain different legal standards based solely on religion.

She added that the UCC Bill reflects a constitutional vision aimed at ensuring equality before the law, rather than imposing uniformity.

Speaking to ANI here, Yamuna Pathak said, "We support the UCC bill passed by the Gujarat Assembly. The Uniform Civil Code is not an imposition but a clear constitutional vision, embodied in Article 44, directing the state to ensure equal civil laws for all citizens."

"A modern democracy cannot sustain different legal standards based solely on religion, when Articles 14 and 15 guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination," she added.

Highlighting the potential impact of the legislation, Pathak said the UCC would strengthen justice by standardising civil rights. "The UCC strengthens justice by ensuring that civil rights such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption are governed by fairness rather than religious separation," she said.

She further asserted that legal uniformity would contribute to national unity while preserving cultural freedoms. "Legal uniformity promotes national integration by creating a shared framework of rights while allowing full freedom in matters of worship and culture," Pathak said.

Referring to India's history of legal reforms, she added, "India has a long constitutional tradition of social reform, from abolishing untouchability to reforming personal laws, proving that progressive legal change strengthens society."

Her remarks come as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Friday opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill recently passed by the Gujarat Assembly, describing it as constitutionally flawed, legally untenable, and fundamentally violative of religious freedom and civil liberties.

The Gujarat State Assembly recently passed the Gujarat UCC Bill 2026, making it the second state in the country to implement the bill after Uttarakhand and aimed at providing stronger legal protection and equality for women across communities.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, the bill covers key aspects such as marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, maintenance, and inheritance to ensure equal rights and legal safeguards for women.

While introducing the bill, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the move reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, Great India), underlining that equal laws are essential for national unity and development.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
While the intention for equality is good, the implementation must be sensitive. We are a diverse country. The law should ensure fairness without feeling like a forced "one-size-fits-all" approach on traditions.
R
Rajesh Q
Article 44 has been in the directive principles for decades. It's about time states took it seriously. How can we call ourselves a modern nation with different laws for marriage and inheritance based on religion? Gujarat is leading the way.
S
Sarah B
The focus on stronger legal protection for women across communities is the most important part. If this bill truly delivers on that promise for inheritance and divorce, it will be a huge step forward.
K
Karthik V
The opposition from certain boards was expected. But the constitution is clear about equality before law. We reformed laws against untouchability and Sati, this is another necessary social reform for a progressive India.
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Nisha Z
I hope the bill's fine print is examined thoroughly. "Uniform" shouldn't mean insensitive. The goal is justice and equality, not erasing diversity. Let's see how it works in practice for live-in relationships and maintenance.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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