The Gujarat Government on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Assembly, proposing a common legal framework to regulate marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships across religions.

If passed by the House, the Bill tabled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a week after a State-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of the UCC, the western State will become the second one in the country, after Uttarakhand, to enact a UCC law. Uttarakhand had introduced the UCC in February 2024.

Titled the “Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026”, the proposed legislation will extend to the entire State and also apply to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits.

Out of purview

However, the provisions will not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution.

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the Bill seeks to establish a uniform legal framework governing personal laws.

The Bill provides for mandatory registration of live-in relationships and their termination through a formal declaration. It also prohibits bigamy, stating that a marriage will be valid only if neither party has a living spouse at the time of marriage.