The Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, announced on Tuesday the formation of a committee to evaluate the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and to draft a corresponding bill. The five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai, has been tasked with submitting its report within 45 days.
This decision has ignited a political row, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of using the UCC issue as a distraction ahead of upcoming local body elections. Meanwhile, the government insists that implementing the UCC will safeguard the rights of tribal communities and address legal discrepancies.
The committee includes retired IAS officer C.L. Meena, advocate R.C. Kodekar, former Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff. According to CM Bhupendra Patel, the panel will consult religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community, to assess the feasibility and implications of the UCC.
“The government is committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the country,” Patel stated. He added that the committee will seek input from diverse stakeholders to draft a bill that addresses the concerns of all communities.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi emphasized that the UCC would protect tribal customs and traditions. He cited Uttarakhand, where the BJP has already implemented the UCC, as a model that safeguards tribal rights.
“Union Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that the UCC will respect and preserve the traditions of tribal communities,” Sanghavi said.
Committee member Gita Shroff highlighted that the UCC could address legal challenges faced by women and children, asserting, “A uniform law will bring clarity and justice to many who currently struggle under contradictory personal laws.”
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who view it as a politically motivated move.
Amit Chavda, Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly, accused the BJP of engaging in “minority vs. majority politics” and diverting attention from pressing issues.
“In Gujarat, 14% of the population is tribal, and the UCC would disrupt their cultural practices, marriage systems, and religious rites,” Chavda argued. He also claimed that the UCC would affect other communities like the Jains and Devipujaks.
Chavda further stated that implementing the UCC falls under the jurisdiction of the central government and questioned the state government’s authority to introduce such measures.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state leader Isudan Gadhvi accused the BJP of raising the UCC issue solely during elections. “The Maldhari community resolves 80% of their domestic disputes internally. Polygamy exists in tribal societies, and the UCC will disrupt their way of life,” Gadhvi claimed. He warned that if the UCC is implemented, the BJP risks losing tribal constituencies.
Both the AAP and AIMIM have alleged that the BJP is using the UCC as a tool to polarize voters. AAP leader Gadhvi accused the BJP of focusing on Hindu-Muslim politics while ignoring issues like unemployment and inflation.
AIMIM leader Danish Siddique echoed similar sentiments, stating that the UCC is being used to target the Muslim community. “If tribal communities are excluded from the UCC, it cannot be called a ‘uniform’ law,” Siddique said.
He further pointed out that polygamy exists in multiple communities, not just among Muslims. “When one community is allowed certain practices and others are not, it defeats the purpose of the UCC,” Siddique argued.
Committee members Gita Shroff and Dakshesh Thakar expressed optimism about the UCC’s potential benefits. Shroff emphasized that the UCC could resolve long-standing issues faced by women and children under personal laws, while Thakar highlighted the Supreme Court’s directive in the Shah Bano case to eliminate legal contradictions through a uniform law.
As the debate over the UCC unfolds, the Gujarat government remains steadfast in its commitment to exploring its implementation. However, with opposition parties and minority groups raising concerns over its impact on cultural traditions and minority rights, the issue is likely to remain contentious. The committee’s report, due within 45 days, will play a crucial role in determining the next steps in this politically sensitive matter.