Overview

• On July 29, Justice Niral S. Mehta summarily rejected Surat resident Abdul Vahab Sopariwala’s petition challenging the committee’s lack of religious minority members
• The verdict upholds the February 4 formation of a five-member panel chaired by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai
• Petitioners argued the absence of minority voices violated Articles 14, 15 and 25 by undermining equality, non-discrimination and religious freedom
• The Gujarat government defended its action as an exercise of executive powers under Article 44 to explore and draft a Uniform Civil Code
• A detailed court order is pending as discussions continue over inclusivity and constitutional safeguards in the UCC drafting process