Guwahati (Assam), May 25: The BJP-led Assam Government moved the much-hyped Bill on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state Assembly to be greeted by protest by the Opposition parties on Monday.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora moved The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill that aims to ban polygamy. Apart from it, the Bill in question further wants to make it mandatory for registration of live-in relationships.
In his speech, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Bill aims to simplify laws pertaining to marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships. The UCC, however, will not be applicable for Scheduled Tribes (Hills) and Scheduled Tribes (Plains).
The Bill allows marriage at 21 years only for men and 18 years for women. It further proposes registration of marriages and divorces. The government side makes it clear that it would help secure maintenance, inheritance and other legal protections for spouses.
Another aspect of the Bill–it provides a legal framework for live-in relationships. According to Dr Sarma, by mandating registration, the law would ensure that the rights of partners — and any children born from such unions — are formally recognised and protected.
The Chief Minister said, “The Constitution, under Article 44, directs the state to strive for a Uniform Civil Code for its citizens. This Bill seeks to implement this principle within Assam to ensure a common legal framework for all residents, regardless of religion.”
The Opposition Congress, Raijor Dal have opposed it and demanded more and more consultation inside and outside the House.
