Draft report on Uniform Civil Code submitted to CM Bhupendra Patel
Gandhinagar, March 17
The high-level committee constituted for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Gujarat submitted its detailed and final report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday in Gandhinagar, an official statement said.
This report was prepared by the committee chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai after detailed study, visits to various districts of the state, gathering public opinions, and extensive public consultations, and was submitted to the state government.
The committee, formed under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, includes retired senior IAS officer CL Meena, senior advocate RC Kodekar, former Vice Chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff.
During the presentation made while submitting the report to the Chief Minister, it was stated that the committee has proposed a uniform legal framework for all religions and communities on matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Particular priority has been given in this draft to ensuring equal rights and protection for women. Moreover, the geographical and cultural diversity of Gujarat has also been taken into consideration in the report.
At the time of submitting the three volumes of the report to the Chief Minister, the Chairman of the high-level committee for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Gujarat, retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, was present along with the committee's advisor, retired senior IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand Shatrughna Singh, committee members, Chief Secretary MK Das, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Vikrant Pandey, Secretary of Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs KM Lala, Law Secretary Shri Upendra Bhatt, and other concerned officials.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a woman, I fully support this if it genuinely ensures equal rights in marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Our current systems are often biased. The committee having a retired Supreme Court judge gives me confidence. The key will be in the implementation and sensitivity to cultural diversity, as mentioned.
While the intention might be good, I'm cautious. We must ensure this doesn't become a tool to homogenize India's beautiful diversity. Personal laws have deep cultural and religious significance for many communities. Change should come through consensus, not imposition. The report needs wide public debate.
Interesting development. Coming from a country with common law, I see the logic. But India's social fabric is complex. Giving "particular priority" to women's rights is commendable. Hope the final law is practical and doesn't create unnecessary legal confusion for ordinary people.
Three volumes! Must be detailed. The committee composition looks balanced with legal, administrative, and social experts. The fact they visited districts and gathered public opinion is good. Now, let's see the actual draft. Will it be made public for feedback? Transparency is crucial for such a major reform.
This has been a debate since independence. Finally some concrete action in one state. Equal rights for women in matters of inheritance is a game-changer, especially in rural areas. Hope the political will remains to see this through without it becoming a polarizing issue.
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