Gujarat UCC Panel Submits Report to CM, Draft Bill Expected Soon in Assembly

• A five-member committee, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, submitted its final report on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
• The state government is likely to table a draft bill on the UCC in the legislative assembly during the ongoing budget session, possibly on March 25.
• The panel suggested a common legal framework for all religions and communities on issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, prioritizing equal rights for women.
• The committee gathered feedback from political and religious leaders across Gujarat, held meetings with 38 Muslim organizations, and received 19 lakh suggestions via a dedicated website.
• The Gujarat High Court rejected a plea challenging the committee's constitution, stating it cannot interfere with executive functions under Article 162 of the Constitution.