Assam Government to Introduce Uniform Civil Code Bill in Assembly

In a significant move aimed at reforming personal laws in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state will introduce a draft bill for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Assembly on May 26. This decision comes after the Cabinet approved the draft during its first meeting under Sarma’s second term as chief minister.

Sarma emphasized that the proposed UCC will not affect the tribal population in the state, indicating that they will be exempt from its provisions. Furthermore, he reassured citizens that the bill will not disturb the rituals, traditions, and customs unique to the people of Assam. Instead, the UCC is set to address key areas such as marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, and the mandatory registration of these personal affairs.

The concept of a Uniform Civil Code has been a long-standing agenda for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to replace individual community-specific laws based on religious doctrine with a unified legal framework applicable to all citizens. Currently, personal matters such as marriage and succession are governed by various laws that differ across religions. By implementing the UCC, the Assam government seeks to create a more equitable legal landscape for all, regardless of their religious background.

This initiative follows the footsteps of other BJP-ruled states. For instance, Uttarakhand became the first state to enact the UCC after independence in January 2025, and Gujarat recently passed similar legislation despite facing protests. The BJP’s push for a common set of personal laws is viewed by proponents as a step towards national integration and equality, while critics argue it may undermine the cultural diversity of communities.

As Assam prepares for this legislative shift, public and political reactions are expected to shape the discourse around the UCC. The upcoming discussions in the Assembly on May 26 will be closely watched, not just in Assam but across the nation, as they represent a pivotal step in the ongoing debate over personal laws and communal identity in India.

Source: scroll.in