New Delhi – After President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on 17 September 2026, Gujarat has cleared the last constitutional obstacle for its Uniform Civil Code. The measure, already cleared by the state legislature earlier this year, now moves toward enforcement, positioning Gujarat as the second state after Uttarakhand to obtain the President’s nod for a UCC statute.

Scope of the Gujarat UCC

The new act consolidates personal‑law matters that were previously governed by separate religious statutes into a single code. It standardises marriage eligibility, sets a uniform divorce procedure, and introduces common inheritance rules. Notably, the code prohibits remarriage while a spouse is alive, effectively outlawing polygamy.

For the first time in the state, cohabiting couples are given a statutory definition and a registration process. Partners must submit a declaration to register their relationship, and the code outlines a clear mechanism for its termination. The definition characterises a live‑in partnership as a marriage‑like bond between a man and a woman who share a household.

Equal Rights in Succession

Inheritance provisions have been overhauled to ensure sons and daughters enjoy the same rights. Property and succession issues will now be dealt with under a uniform set of rules, removing gender‑based disparities that existed under earlier personal laws.

Tribal Exemptions

The legislation expressly leaves out Scheduled Tribes and certain other communities whose customary practices are protected by the Constitution. These groups will continue to be governed by their traditional personal laws.

From Legislative Passage to Presidential Signature

The Gujarat Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill on 24 March 2026 after extensive debate. Following the Assembly’s approval, the bill was sent to the President for constitutional assent, which was granted on 17 September 2026. The state now must formulate detailed rules and administrative procedures to implement the code.