New Delhi, India | March 27, 2026
The debate over the newly passed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Gujarat has intensified after Maulana Mahmood Madani strongly criticized the legislation, calling it a violation of constitutional limits and an infringement on religious freedom.
In an official statement, the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president said the law effectively seeks to override provisions of Muslim personal law, particularly those related to inheritance, which are recognized under India’s constitutional framework and derived from Islamic religious texts.
Jamiat Announces Legal Challenge
Madani stated that the organization will approach the courts to challenge the Gujarat UCC, asserting that the legislation does not meet constitutional standards.
He emphasized that religious beliefs and practices, including those governed by Sharia, cannot be altered through legislative measures. According to him, any attempt to do so would face strict judicial scrutiny in India’s higher courts.
The statement follows a detailed review of the law by Jamiat’s legal panel.
Concerns Over Personal Law Provisions
The organization has raised objections to several provisions in the law, particularly those affecting:
- Inheritance rules: Claimed to conflict with established Islamic principles
- Polygamy ban: Viewed as restricting religiously permitted practices
- Divorce regulations: Including penalties for non-compliance and restrictions on non-court divorces
- Marriage registration rules: Financial penalties for delayed registration
Madani argued that these provisions move civil matters into the criminal domain without sufficient justification and may not align with constitutional or legal standards.
Debate Over Equality and Exceptions
The controversy has also sparked debate over equality provisions.
Referring to statements supporting a uniform law for all citizens, Madani questioned exemptions reportedly provided to certain communities, including Scheduled Tribes. He argued that such distinctions could raise concerns under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.
Legal and Political Implications
The Gujarat UCC has emerged as a significant legal and political issue, with supporters arguing it promotes uniformity and legal clarity, while critics claim it risks undermining religious diversity and constitutional protections.
Legal experts suggest that any challenge to the law will likely be closely examined by the judiciary, particularly on questions of fundamental rights and legislative competence.
What Happens Next?
With Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind confirming its intent to move court, the matter is expected to enter a legal phase in the coming weeks.
The outcome could have wider implications for the ongoing national debate around the Uniform Civil Code and its scope within India’s constitutional framework.
