President Grants Assent to Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill

Gist President Droupadi Murmu has granted her assent to the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code UCC Bill , clearing the final legislative hurdle for its implementation as law. The legislation establishes a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships in the State, replacing religion-specific personal laws while expressly exempting tribal populations. For civil-services aspirants, this development highlights the interplay between state legislative powers over family law and the constitutional safeguards protecting indigenous customary rights. Background Personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession fall under the Concurrent List List III of the Seventh Schedule , allowing both Parliament and State Legislatures to enact laws. Because a State law on a Concurrent subject inherently overrides or alters the application of existing Central laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act or the Indian Succession Act , it requires the President's assent to prevail within that State. The concept of a Uniform Civil Code is enshrined in Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy , which directs the State to endeavor to secure a uniform civil code for citizens…