Gujarat has announced the formation of a five-member committee tasked with drafting the state’s version of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The decision was made public by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar today.
The committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, will submit its report within 45 days. Based on the report, the state government will decide on the future course of action. Justice Desai had also led the panel in Uttarakhand that rolled out its UCC.
Other members of the committee include retired IAS officer CL Meena, advocate RC Kodekar, former Vice-Chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff.
UCC in BJP-ruled States
Gujarat’s move follows Uttarakhand’s recent implementation of UCC, making it the first state in India to introduce the law after independence. Other BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh, are also considering setting up committees to explore the idea.
The Centre had previously cited Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which calls for a Uniform Civil Code across the country, encouraging the states to legislate on personal laws related to marriage, inheritance, and succession.
