AHMEDABAD: Gujarat’s Uniform Civil Code has crossed its final legislative hurdle with President Droupadi Murmu’s assent and the publication of the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026, in the state’s official gazette.
The law brings marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships under a common statutory framework, while laying down rules on inheritance, registration and family rights.
The legislation was passed by the Gujarat Assembly on March 24, 2026. It formally recognises children born from live-in relationships and provides for their legal rights. It also provides specified shares among the spouse, children and parents when a person dies without leaving a will. The succession provisions identify spouses, children and parents among the Class-I heirs.
The Code applies across Gujarat and also extends to eligible Gujarat residents living outside the state. Scheduled Tribes covered under Article 366(25) read with Article 342 of the Constitution, along with groups whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI, are excluded from its ambit.
Under the new framework, marriage registration becomes a key legal requirement. A marriage must meet the prescribed age conditions — 21 years for men and 18 years for women — and marriages solemnised after the commencement of the Code must be registered within the stipulated period.
The Code does not prohibit religious ceremonies. Traditional practices such as Nikah, Saptapadi, Anand Karaj and other customary ceremonies can continue, but the resulting marriage must comply with statutory requirements, including registration.
The legislation also prohibits a person from contracting another marriage while a spouse is living. Mandatory registration will create an official record of marital status, which can be important in disputes concerning maintenance, inheritance, identity and other matrimonial rights.
The Code also creates a formal legal mechanism for live-in relationships. Couples entering such a relationship are required to submit a joint statement to the designated Registrar, while termination must also be reported through the prescribed procedure.
The law gives legal recognition to children born from such relationships. Children born outside marriage, adopted children and children born through assisted reproductive methods are placed on an equal legal footing for relevant rights.
The legislation provides a common framework for succession when a person dies intestate and recognises equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters. It provides for the rights of spouses, children and parents in intestate succession, bringing inheritance under a common statutory structure.
The Code also establishes common provisions governing divorce and related matrimonial proceedings. It provides for mechanisms such as pre-litigation mediation in specified matrimonial disputes before parties approach courts.
Changes to marital status in employment records or government documents are linked to proof of registration.
Despite its broad scope, the Code is not completely universal within Gujarat. The statutory exemption for Scheduled Tribes and constitutionally protected customary groups remains in place.
With the President’s assent and gazette notification, Gujarat’s UCC has moved from a legislative proposal to an enacted legal framework. Its practical impact will depend on the commencement notification, implementing rules and the way Registrars, courts and other authorities apply its provisions in individual cases.
