Gujarat is about to become the second Indian state, after Uttarakhand, to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Law Minister Rushikesh Patel declared on Wednesday.
During proceedings on Assembly during discussion of Gujarat Budget 2025-26, Patel insisted that the action falls into the larger idea of "One India, Best India", giving every citizen equal justice.
Strengthening Legal Infrastructure
As he replied to budgetary requirements of the Law Department, Patel sketched out several significant initiatives which will help de-juridify judicial proceedings and strengthen the legal infrastructure of the state.
In an effort to better arbitration mechanisms, the government plans to open three new Arbitration Tribunals in Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara. These will also hear matters concerning municipal corporations and panchayats to provide faster resolutions to cases.
With the E-Court Mission Mode Project, the state has invested ₹27.84 crore to digitalize the High Court and subordinate courts, immensely enhancing accessibility and efficiency in court proceedings.
Pledge for Prompt Justice
Emphasizing Gujarat's pledge to prompt justice, Patel announced that district judiciary courts had resolved 18,41,016 cases in the last year alone.
"595 special courts, such as courts handling POCSO Act and other special legal provisions, have been established by the state government," he added.
Further, under the 2019 Gujarat Victim Compensation Scheme, ₹39 crore was paid out in the last three years to compensate victims of atrocities, acid attacks, and sexual offenses.
Investment in Judicial Infrastructure
In order to further enhance legal infrastructure, ₹73.70 crore has also been allocated for the establishment of 10 new court buildings in various districts and talukas.
In addition to that, Patel also announced that 75 exclusive special courts have been allocated for atrocity-related cases, including 16 exclusive special courts and 59 designated special courts.
"In the last one year, 1,171 Atrocities Act cases have been disposed of. Additionally, on February 11, 2025, the Gujarat High Court issued instructions to speed up lingering cases in district courts," he said.
With such strong reforms and an effort towards legal modernization, Gujarat is going to maximize judicial efficiency while making progress in adopting the Uniform Civil Code.".
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