'Equal laws for all citizens': Amit Shah on Gujarat's UCC Bill passage
New Delhi, March 25
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday welcomed the passage of the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, saying that the country should run on "principle of equal laws".
After Uttarakhand, Gujarat became the second state to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, on Tuesday, introducing a common legal framework for civil matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance across communities and religions.
HM Shah, in a post on X, said, "Our belief is clear, the country should not run on the basis of appeasement, but on the principle of equal laws for all citizens. This is both our priority and our resolve."
The Union Home Minister underlined that a uniform law is a "core commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)".
"A uniform law for every citizen of the country has been a core commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party since its inception. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP-ruled state governments are continuously moving forward in this direction."
He praised Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the MLAs who voted in favour of the Bill.
The Home Minister said, "I am pleased that after Uttarakhand, Gujarat has now passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, demonstrating its firm commitment to this principle. I extend my congratulations to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and all the legislators who supported this bill."
Notably, the UCC legislation provides for compulsory registration of marriages and divorces and introduces uniform grounds and procedures for divorce across communities.
It prohibits extra-judicial forms of divorce, making court-based legal processes mandatory.
The Bill also mandates monogamy and includes provisions to declare marriages void where identity has been concealed.
It further introduces penal provisions for cases involving fraud, coercion or misrepresentation in marriage, with specified punishment for offences.
The law also provides maintenance rights for women without restrictions tied to personal laws and ensures equal inheritance rights for daughters and wives.
The Bill includes provisions requiring registration of live-in relationships with local authorities, which the government said is intended to provide legal safeguards and accountability.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a woman, I welcome the uniform maintenance rights and the end of extra-judicial divorce. It provides security that personal laws sometimes failed to guarantee. A step towards true equality.
While the principle of one law for all is good, the implementation must be sensitive. The live-in relationship registration clause feels like unnecessary government intrusion into private life. The intent is right, but the method needs review.
Interesting development. Coming from a country with common law, I see the logic. But in a diverse society like India, building consensus is key. Hope it brings the promised benefits to women and families.
Finally! No more appeasement politics. The country needs one civil code. What's good for Uttarakhand and Gujarat is good for all of India. BJP delivering on its core promise. Jai Hind!
The provision against fraud and coercion in marriage is very important. So many families suffer due to hidden identities or forced marriages. This law gives power back to individuals. Good move.
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