Retired judge Ranjana Desai submits detailed report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, reflecting wide public consultation including Muslim community
NEW DELHI — Gujarat is moving closer to becoming the second state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following Uttarakhand’s recent path. A report prepared by the UCC Committee, led by retired judge Ranjana Desai, has been submitted to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The government is now studying the report carefully, with plans to possibly introduce the UCC bill in the monsoon session of the state assembly next month.
The Uniform Civil Code aims to replace the personal laws of various communities with a single, common set of laws to govern issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. This change is seen by many, especially within the Muslim community in Gujarat, as a chance to ensure equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion.
Judge Ranjana Desai explained that the committee undertook extensive consultations across all districts of Gujarat. “We have held discussions with people from various organisations and sections of society,” she said. “In total, we received more than one lakh fifteen thousand suggestions which have been included in the report.”
The process of listening to the voices of all communities included careful attention to the concerns of Muslims in Gujarat, who have long faced discrimination and challenges under the existing personal laws. Many Muslim leaders have welcomed the move, hoping it will bring clarity and fairness.
A spokesperson for the Gujarat government, Cabinet Minister Rishikesh Patel, stated, “The report of the UCC committee has been received and the government will study it seriously.” He added that this is a crucial step towards a more unified legal system that treats all citizens equally.
The Muslim community, which forms a significant part of Gujarat’s population, has expressed cautious optimism about the proposed Uniform Civil Code. Local Muslim activist Shaikh Imran said, “We hope the UCC will bring justice and equal treatment to Muslims, who have often been left behind by personal laws that do not protect our rights fully.” He further commented, “It is important that the government includes Muslim voices and safeguards our rights while moving forward.”
However, many in the community stress the need for careful implementation. Advocate Amina Siddiqui pointed out, “The UCC must be implemented in a way that respects the cultural and religious identity of Muslims. Equality under the law does not mean erasing our traditions but ensuring our rights are protected equally.”
The committee’s efforts to include feedback from all sections — Muslims, Hindus, and others — indicate a careful attempt to create a code that is fair and inclusive. Yet, some Hindu groups have openly opposed the UCC, seeing it as a threat to their own personal laws. Critics argue that the UCC is an attempt to impose a Hindu-majority viewpoint on minority communities, particularly Muslims.
Senior Muslim community leader Maulana Zahid Khan criticised these objections, stating, “For too long, Muslim personal laws have been misunderstood and misrepresented. The UCC offers an opportunity for reform and protection of rights. Opposition from some Hindu groups shows their unwillingness to accept equality for all citizens.”
He added, “It is time for Gujarat to lead by example, following Uttarakhand’s footsteps, and ensure that all its citizens — Muslims included — are treated fairly and equally under one law.”
The Gujarat government has confirmed that the committee gathered public feedback through both online and offline methods, ensuring broad participation. “The findings were discussed at the recent meeting with the chief minister,” a government official said. “Once the report is formally presented, the government will decide on presenting the UCC bill in the monsoon session.”
With Gujarat preparing to bring the UCC to the assembly soon, many Muslim citizens see this as a positive step toward justice and equality. It is a chance to move away from outdated laws that have long divided communities and denied basic rights.
In the words of social activist Farida Begum, “The Uniform Civil Code is not about taking away rights; it is about giving rights equally to everyone. We hope this law will protect the dignity and freedom of Muslims as equal citizens of India.”
