The government of Gujarat is with an iron hand working to bring UCC (Uniform Civil Code) into implementation in the state. The draft of the Gujarat UCC Bill is at the final stages, with the first meeting of the committee having been held in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.
With Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai as the chairperson, the committee emphasized that while marriage customs will not touch any or the other, it will require marriage and divorce to be registered. A separate website, on which citizens can comment, will also be launched about this topic.
While Guaranteeing Equality, Preserving Tradition
The committee is adamant that the UCC in Gujarat will not intervene in any of the marriage traditions or customs of any religion. Although it will impose mandatory registration of both marriages and divorces for transparency and legal accountability, Justice Desai maintained that the UCC was mainly to deal with the rights of women and children so that they are treated equally under law.
In order to reach out to a wide audience, the committee intends to consult with people in all 33 districts of the state. A dedicated group will canvass the state, chatting with various communities, such as tribal factions, religious leaders, and NGOs, to solicit their opinions. This will enhance the possibilities that the UCC will need and reflect the principles of all sections of society.
Drafting and Public Consultation
Justice Desai felt that making an all-encompassing draft within 45 days is going to be an uphill task. The committee required 45 days more to make sure the draft is comprehensive and considers all directions. Inclusion of public consultations stands out for her as important in the making of a just and inclusive law.
A separate website will be put up for the purpose. Citizens can send their recommendations or objections on the net from March 24. This digital interface should ease access and engender transparency in the process, hence appealing to participation.
A Collaborative Approach
The committee remains committed to an inclusive dialogue. The idea is to engage community representatives, ranging from tribal representatives, minority groups, and religious gurus, to discuss their respective concerns and perspectives regarding the UCC initiative. Such a joint approach will ensure the final draft is fair and just.
As far as the way forward is concerned, UCC in Gujarat heralds a paradigm shift toward legal uniformity and social justice. The UCC reconciles tradition and modernity to provide a framework that acknowledges cultural diversity while promoting equality and transparency.
Watch this space as the committee continues to work tirelessly to finalize the draft, ensuring that it embodies the aspirations of the people of Gujarat.