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Uniform Civil Code, state by state

BJP-ruled states are passing common family-law codes; Muslim bodies, opposition parties and some BJP allies object to the content or the process.

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The question

Do state Uniform Civil Codes give women equal rights under one law, or override religious freedom and India's diversity?

3states with UCC laws assented to: Uttarakhand, Gujarat and AssamHindustan Times
21NDA-ruled states Amit Shah says will adopt a UCC before 2029The Hindu
12.45%share of Assam's population, its Scheduled Tribes, exempted from the Assam codeHindustan Times
1 yr vs 10 yrsresidence that brings a person under the code: Uttarakhand and Assam vs GujaratThe Federal
Context

How we got here

In India, marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance are largely governed by personal laws that differ by religion. A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) replaces these with one set of civil rules for everyone it covers; the Constitution lists it in Article 44 as a Directive Principle, a goal courts cannot directly enforce. Uttarakhand passed the first state UCC on 7 February 2024 and brought it into force on 27 January 2025. Gujarat passed its code on 24 March 2026, Assam on 27 May and Madhya Pradesh on 21 July; all three were reserved for the President's assent. Rajasthan tabled a bill on 21 August 2026, and Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have drafting committees. Supporters, led by the BJP, say a common code gives women equal rights and strengthens national unity. Critics, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and opposition parties, say the codes intrude on religious freedom and were pushed through without enough consultation. Some BJP allies are wary too. The codes also differ from each other on who is covered and on penalties, and several exempt Scheduled Tribes.

In their own words

Where each side stands

BJP and state governments

Amit Shah ties the UCC to equal rights for Muslim women and says all 21 NDA-ruled states will adopt one before 2029. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the aim is 'social harmony and national unity' and that the Supreme Court has suggested a UCC would secure women's rights.

The Hindu · The Times of India
Congress and opposition parties

Congress walked out when Rajasthan's bill was tabled, saying it was not allowed to raise public concerns. Gujarat Congress leader Amit Chavda called the code an attempt to distract from government failures. Opposition MLAs in Assam warned it could create social and religious tensions.

Muslim Mirror · Hindustan Times
Muslim organisations

The AIMPLB calls the codes a violation of religious freedom and of laws that apply Sharia to Muslims' family matters. It has challenged Uttarakhand's code in court and plans to challenge Gujarat's, Assam's and Madhya Pradesh's, and is running a national campaign against them.

The Times of India · ThePrint
Wary NDA allies

JD(U), TDP and LJP are reported to be uneasy. JD(U) says it will study any code before taking a view. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said in January 2025 a UCC was 'neither appropriate nor practical' for his state.

Hindustan Times · The Hindu
6 moments

The timeline

  1. Gujarat publishes its Uniform Civil Code after President's assent; Assam's code also cleared

    The codes require marriage and live-in registration and give sons and daughters equal shares in property, HT reported.

  2. Former judge R.C. Chavan resigns from Maharashtra's UCC panel, citing how it was run

    Chavan said he was resigning so the government could 'fill in the blank promptly'.

  3. Muslim Personal Law Board postpones Delhi protest against UCC after police deny permission

    The board challenged Uttarakhand's UCC in the High Court in February 2025 and says it will challenge the newer codes.

  4. JD(U) leaders differ on a UCC for Bihar as the party seeks talks with Amit Shah

    JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha said: 'We will soon meet Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the issue'.

  5. Amit Shah says all 21 NDA-ruled states will bring in a Uniform Civil Code before 2029

    The Indian Express reported that tribal groups would be exempted, as in existing state codes.

  6. Rajasthan tables a Uniform Civil Code bill as Congress walks out of the Assembly

    The draft excludes Scheduled Tribes and would also apply to Rajasthan residents living outside the state.

Honest gaps

What we still don't know

  • ?When Gujarat and Assam will notify the dates their codes actually take effect.
  • ?Whether the President will assent to Madhya Pradesh's bill, and when.
  • ?How courts will rule on challenges arguing the codes violate freedom of religion.
Who reported this

Sources

Left-leaning · 1Centre · 5

6 outlets across the spectrum. Leanings are a rough guide to who reported it, not a verdict on accuracy.

  1. The Times of IndiaMP UCC Bill sent to President for assent; 3 state laws now await nod
  2. The HinduBJP-led NDA governments in 21 States to introduce UCC before 2029, says Amit Shah
  3. Hindustan TimesUniform Civil Code bills await President’s nod in Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
  4. Hindustan TimesAfter Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam UCC Bills cleared by President Murmu
  5. The FederalNothing uniform about UCC: How Gujarat, Assam and Uttarakhand rules differ
  6. Muslim MirrorRajasthan Assembly tables UCC Bill amid chaotic protests and Congress walkout
Show all 11 sources
  1. The Times of IndiaUttarakhand waqf board bid to align nikahnama with UCC draws opposition
  2. The Times of IndiaAfter Jantar Mantar setback, AIMPLB plans 3-month national UCC campaign, to take battle to states
  3. ThePrintAIMPLB slams UCC Bill passed by Gujarat Assembly, vows to challenge it in high court
  4. The Times of IndiaGujarat UCC Bill gets President Murmu’s nod paving way for implementation
  5. The HinduJD(U) clarifies stance on UCC, proposal to rename party and RJD’s invitation to join hands
Uniform Civil Code, state by state | Spasht