Once the Code comes into force, every marriage in Gujarat, regardless of religion, must be registered within 60 days, with fines of up to ₹10,000 for wilful failure.
GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat’s Uniform Civil Code was published in the state’s Extraordinary Gazette on 1 October 2026 as Gujarat Act No. 15 of 2026, after President Droupadi Murmu granted assent on 17 September. The law sets a single civil framework for marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, succession and maintenance across religious communities in the state. However, it is not yet in force, and existing personal laws continue to apply until the state government notifies a commencement date.
Enacted, but not yet in force
The distinction carries practical weight. Section 1(3) of the Act says it will take effect on a date the state appoints through a separate notification. Until then, courts and registrars will keep applying current personal laws. Additionally, the state must still frame rules on registration procedures, digital portals and the appointment of registrars.
The Assembly passed the bill on 24 March 2026 after a seven-hour debate. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel introduced it, and it was cleared by voice vote. Notably, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party opposed it, sought referral to a select committee and walked out before the vote.
What changes for marriage and divorce
Once in force, the Code makes monogamy mandatory for all covered communities, so any second marriage while a spouse is living will be void. Marriage ages are fixed at 21 for men and 18 for women. Religious ceremonies such as Saptapadi, Nikah and Anand Karaj remain valid ways to solemnise a marriage, provided uniform legal conditions are met. Furthermore, every marriage must be registered within 60 days, with a fine of up to ₹10,000 for wilful failure.
Divorce moves entirely to civil courts. As a result, out-of-court and religious divorces, including triple talaq and nikah halala, will be legally invalid. Couples must generally wait a year after marriage before filing. Grounds will be uniform, ranging from cruelty and adultery to two years of desertion and mutual consent after a year apart.
Live-in relationships come under the law
The Code’s live-in provisions have drawn the sharpest attention. Couples must submit a statement to a local registrar within 30 days of moving in together, and must also register the end of the relationship. If either partner is under 21, the registrar must inform their parents or guardians. In cases specified by rules, details will also go to the local police station. Non-compliance can bring a fine of up to ₹10,000, up to three months in jail or both.
At the same time, the law grants protections. Children born in registered live-in relationships are legitimate, with equal inheritance rights, and women deserted by partners can claim maintenance in civil courts.
Equal shares in inheritance
On succession, sons and daughters receive equal shares in both ancestral and self-acquired property. Without a will, the estate passes first to Class-1 heirs, namely the spouse, children and parents. The law also protects children in the womb at the time of death and bars anyone convicted of murdering the deceased from inheriting. Consequently, analysts expect clearer property titles and simpler succession planning for family businesses.
Who is left out
The Act exempts Scheduled Tribes notified under Article 342, along with groups whose customs are protected under Part XXI and the Fifth and Sixth Schedules. The state cites the need to preserve tribal self-governance and customary law. Meanwhile, the law applies beyond Gujarat’s borders to residents and domiciles of the state living elsewhere.
The constitutional route
Marriage, divorce and succession sit on the Concurrent List, so both Parliament and states can legislate. Because Gujarat’s law overrides central statutes such as the Shariat Application Act, 1937 and the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, the Governor reserved it for the President. With assent granted, Article 254(2) allows it to prevail within the state. The drafting committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, received around 20 lakh public submissions. Gujarat thus becomes the second state to enact such a code, after Uttarakhand, where it took effect in January 2025.
A divided debate
Supporters, including gender rights advocates, point to the end of polygamy, a uniform marriage age and equal inheritance for daughters as advances for equality under Articles 14 and 15. The state frames the law as promoting gender justice and protecting young women. Conversely, opposition parties and minority bodies argue it undermines religious freedom under Article 25. Several legal scholars also question whether live-in registration, parental notification and police reporting are compatible with privacy rights recognised in the Puttaswamy judgment. Others note that the law covers only heterosexual couples.
What to watch
Three milestones will shape what comes next. Firstly, the state’s commencement notification will mark the actual start. Secondly, the procedural rules will define how registration and police reporting work in practice. Finally, constitutional challenges are expected in the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court. Beyond these, the capacity of municipal bodies and panchayats to register every marriage within 60 days will test the Code on the ground.
For now, Gujarat has written a uniform civil framework into its statute book. Whether it works as intended will depend on rules, registrars and, ultimately, the courts.
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