After Uttarakhand, Gujarat eyes UCC, sets up panel to draft Bill

GANDHINAGAR: BJP-led Gujarat govt announced Tuesday the formation of a five-member committee led by a retired SC judge to assess the need for a uniform civil code (UCC) in the state and draft a bill. CM Bhupendra Patel said the committee will submit its report within 45 days. He also reiterated his govt's commitment to fulfilling PM Narendra Modi's vision of implementing UCC nationwide.

The announcement comes amid a debate over UCC. While Gujarat govt insists that the law will be inclusive and protective of all communities, opposition parties and minority groups remain wary of its impact on their customary traditions and constitutional safeguards. Govt has claimed that UCC will ensure the protection of tribal rights and will not conflict with the provisions of Disturbed Areas Act.

Uttarakhand recently became the first state in the country to pass a UCC. Opposition parties criticised the announcement, alleging that it is a political ploy by BJP before local body elections. Congress MLA Amit Chavda accused BJP of using UCC to create a divide between communities.

AIMIM's Danish Siddique accused BJP of using UCC as a tool to single out Muslims. "When one community is allowed polygamy and not others, then it is not UCC."