A protest by workers of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) broke out outside the Jama Masjid on Saturday (March 21), coinciding with Eid, over the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Gujarat.
According to reports, the demonstration began just hours after a draft report on the UCC was submitted to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The development triggered immediate political reactions, with AIMIM workers gathering near the mosque to voice their opposition.
Protesters raised slogans against the Gujarat government and displayed banners carrying messages such as “Remove UCC,” “Save the Nation,” and “Repeal UCC.”
Ahmedabad, Gujarat: AIMIM protested against the Uniform Civil Code in Gujarat at Jama Masjid after Eid prayers, displaying placards pic.twitter.com/JlmHIOTUPf
— IANS (@ians_india) March 21, 2026
Participants claimed that the proposed Uniform Civil Code, aimed at bringing uniformity in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance, was in conflict with Islamic personal law. Several demonstrators argued that the provisions of the UCC were incompatible with Sharia and should not be imposed.
Eyewitness accounts cited in reports suggest that the gathering grew in intensity as more individuals joined, raising concerns about law and order in the area.
Authorities later confirmed that the protest had been organised without prior police permission. As the situation escalated, the Ahmedabad Police intervened to disperse the crowd.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A protestor says, “This is a violation of Article 44. Article 25 gives us the right to propagate our religion. We will tell people to question this, as it goes against women’s rights and the culture of our country…” pic.twitter.com/zK4fe76F40
— IANS (@ians_india) March 21, 2026
Around 12 to 13 protesters were detained during the operation, according to reports. Police officials acted swiftly to prevent further disruption, removing demonstrators from the site and restoring normalcy in the area.
During the protest, some participants, including a burqa-clad woman, reportedly engaged in arguments with authorities and reiterated their opposition to the UCC. She was quoted in reports as stating that Islamic law does not permit the implementation of a uniform code like the UCC.
Other AIMIM workers also vowed to continue opposing the proposed legislation, asserting that it infringes upon their religious and cultural rights.
The protest comes at a crucial time as the Gujarat government prepares to introduce the Uniform Civil Code bill in the state assembly.
According to reports, the bill is scheduled to be tabled in the Gujarat Vidhan Sabha on March 24. The proposed legislation is expected to trigger further debate, both within political circles and among various community groups.
The Uniform Civil Code has long been a subject of national debate, often discussed in the context of Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which advocates for a common set of civil laws for all citizens.
Supporters argue that the UCC promotes equality and legal uniformity, while critics raise concerns about its impact on religious freedom and cultural practices.
The Ahmedabad protest reflects the continuing divide over the issue, as stakeholders prepare for intensified discussions once the bill is formally introduced.
