Gujarat assembly passes UCC Bill after over 7-hour debate amid Cong's strong opposition

GANDHINAGAR: (Mar 25) The Gujarat assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after a marathon debate of more than seven hours, with the ruling BJP hailing it as a landmark reform to ensure equality, while the Congress vehemently opposed it saying it violates fundamental right and was "anti-Muslim".

The bill, which proposes a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion, was passed with majority voice vote as opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not approve it and demanded that it be sent to the select committee.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tabled the bill earlier in the day, a week after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on implementation of the UCC.