Gujarat Forms Panel to Assess Need for UCC, Draft Bill

Oppn Calls It Diversionary Move

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The Gujarat government has established a five-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai to assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and draft a corresponding bill, sparking varied reactions from political parties and community leaders.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the committee's formation on Tuesday, stating that the panel will submit its report within 45 days. "To assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code and to prepare a draft bill, we have decided to form a committee under a former judge of the Supreme Court," Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar.

The committee comprises Justice Desai, retired IAS officer CL Meena, advocate RC Kodekar, former Veer Narmad South Gujarat University vice-chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff. The panel is tasked with conducting consultations with religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community.