Assam Assembly passes Uniform Civil Code Bill

The Assam Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Uniform Civil Code, Assam, Bill, 2026, on Monday. The legislation proposes a unified legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, applying to all residents except Scheduled Tribes. Key provisions include a ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of marriages within 60 days and live-in relationships within 30 days, with fines up to ₹10,000 for non-compliance. The bill sets a uniform legal marriage age of 21 for grooms and 18 for brides, establishes common grounds for divorce such as cruelty or desertion, and ensures gender-equal inheritance rights among Class-1 heirs. Children under five will ordinarily remain with the mother post-divorce, while the law aims to balance legal uniformity with cultural sensitivities. Opposition leaders raised concerns, with Raijor Dal President Akhil Gogoi calling it an 'attack on private lives' and alleging moral policing. Trinamool Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed staged a walkout, accusing the BJP-led government of introducing the bill with 'malicious intent.' The government dismissed these claims, stating the bill reflects Assam’s progressive stance. The Uniform Civil Code was part of the BJP’s 2026 election manifesto, making Assam the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to adopt such legislation. The state Cabinet approved the bill on May 13, its first meeting after assuming office, framing it as a step toward legal and social cohesion.