Gujarat High Court Reviews Petition on UCC Committee

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The Gujarat High Court heard a writ petition challenging the constitution of the committee formed to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The petition, filed by Surat resident Abdul Wahab Mohammad Shabbir Sopariwala, raises concerns over the lack of representation of minority communities in the existing committee.

Advocate General Kamal Trivedi appeared on behalf of the Gujarat government, while Advocate Zamir Sheikh represented the petitioner. After hearing preliminary arguments, the High Court scheduled the next hearing for June 10, 2025.

The petitioner submitted that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had announced the formation of the UCC committee on February 4, 2025. However, the committee does not include any members from minority communities such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, or Buddhists. The petition demands the dissolution of the current committee and the formation of a new one that ensures adequate and fair representation from all communities.

The existing committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai. Other members include advocate R.C. Kodekar, former South Gujarat University vice-chancellor Daxesh Thakar, Geeta Shroff, and retired civil servant C.L. Meena. The petitioner alleges that some committee members have political affiliations and lack expertise in civil law and minority affairs.

In support of the demand the petition refers to the Swaminathan and Krishnakumar committees, which included subject matter experts and representatives from various social groups. The petitioner argues that a similarly inclusive approach is necessary to ensure that the proposed UCC is equitable and representative.

The Gujarat High Court took note of the concerns raised and indicated that the issue warrants detailed examination. The case is now set for further hearing on June 10.