The Assam Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after an intense debate between the ruling NDA and opposition parties, making Assam the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to adopt the framework.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the Bill as a historic reform aimed at protecting women’s dignity and rights. He said the legislation marks the beginning of the government’s five-year journey toward equality. The Bill introduces common laws for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion. It bans polygamy and mandates registration of live-in relationships, prescribing imprisonment of up to seven years for bigamy and three months for failure to register.
The government excluded Scheduled Tribes from the Bill’s ambit, citing respect for traditional customs. Opposition parties, including Congress and AIUDF, strongly opposed the move, calling it politically motivated and undemocratic. Congress leader Wajed Ali Choudhury argued that existing laws already cover most issues addressed by the UCC and accused the government of diverting attention from unemployment and floods.
AIUDF MLA Mazibur Rahman claimed the Bill undermines minority rights, while Congress MLA Nurul Huda sought inclusion of all tribes and communities. Despite protests, the ruling NDA defended the Bill as a measure for social reform and gender equality. BJP MLA Pijush Hazarika said the law ensures fairness and does not target any religion.
The passage of the UCC Bill positions Assam as a key player in India’s evolving legal landscape on personal laws.
