Gujarat UCC Bill 2026: ‘Uniform Civil Code’ implemented in Gujarat too, jail if live-in and marriage registration is not done; Know the new rules

Gandhinagar: After Uttarakhand, now the western state of Gujarat has also created history. On Tuesday (March 25, 2026), after a huge uproar and a seven-hour long debate, the Gujarat Assembly has given the green signal to the ‘Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2026. The bill, introduced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aims to bring personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships under the ambit of a single law, regardless of religion. While the BJP is calling it ‘the era of equality’, the opposition has termed it as a violation of fundamental rights. 7 years jail on fraudulent marriage and polygamy. The biggest and strictest feature of the Gujarat UCC bill is related to the safety of women. Under the new law: Forced marriage: If a person marries by force, pressure or fraud, he will have to face 7 years in jail. Ban on polygamy: There will be a complete ban on having more than one marriage and if found guilty, the same provision of 7 years of punishment will be applicable. Equal rights: Now sons and daughters will get equal legal rights in matters of inheritance and property. Live-in relationship: Registration mandatory, Otherwise there will be jail. In the new law, very strict rules have been made regarding live-in relationships. Now it will be mandatory for couples living in Gujarat to register their live-in relationships. Provision of punishment: If a couple does not register, they may have to pay 3 months jail or a fine of ₹ 10,000. Logic of security: The Chief Minister clarified that its purpose is not to snatch anyone’s personal freedom, but to provide legal protection to daughters. Registration of marriage within 60 days is mandatory. Now registration of every marriage taking place in the state. (Registration) has been made mandatory. Penalty: If registration is not done within 60 days of marriage, a fine of ₹ 10,000 will be imposed. This rule will equally apply to Gujaratis living outside the geographical boundaries of Gujarat. Who will be exempted from this law? The government has made it clear that this law creates a uniform legal framework for all religions, but Scheduled Tribes (ST) and some specific groups have been kept out of it. There will be no interference with their traditional and constitutional rights. CM Bhupendra Patel stressed that this law will not bring any change in the religious customs and method of worship. Political tussle: Opposition called it ‘anti-Muslim’. When the bill was passed in the House, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposed it. Congress argues that this law violates Article 25 (religious freedom) of the Constitution and is targeted against the Muslim community. However, the government has justified it constitutionally, citing Article 14 (equality) and Article 44 (State directions for UCC).