Gujarat UCC Clears Final Legal Hurdle with Presidential Assent as State Prepares for Implementation

The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026 has officially received assent from President Droupadi Murmu, removing the final constitutional obstacle for the landmark civil code. With presidential approval secured, the Gujarat government is preparing to formally notify the law, bringing unified personal legal statutes a step closer to reality across the state.

The assent was formally granted on 17 September, according to official state Bill records maintained by Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Assembly Approval and Legislative Journey

The Gujarat Legislative Assembly originally passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill on March 24, 2026. Following its passage through the state legislature, the Governor reserved the legislation and forwarded it to the President for consideration, as required for state bills affecting personal laws and civil rights.

Gujarat will become the second Indian state to clear this vital stage, following Uttarakhand's earlier enactment. Assam's similar UCC legislation also obtained presidential assent shortly after, on September 29.

Key Personal Laws Covered Under the Framework

Broadly modeled on Uttarakhand's legal template while integrating Gujarat-specific statutory requirements, the new law establishes a standardized civil framework applicable to all citizens regardless of religion. Key areas brought under unified regulations include:

• Rules governing marriage and divorce proceedings
• Frameworks for succession and property inheritance
• Mandated registration of marriages and live-in relationships
• Specific statutory provisions prohibiting polygamy

Road Ahead: Rules and Formal Notification

Presidential assent marks the completion of the constitutional approval phase, but does not render the law immediately operational. The Gujarat state government must now draft detailed administrative rules, set up registration machinery, and issue a formal gazette notification setting the date from which the provisions take effect.

A similar implementation process took place in Uttarakhand, where administrative frameworks and rulebooks were published following presidential assent before the code officially came into force in January 2025.