Assam Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill Amidst Opposition Protests

The Assam Assembly has officially passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, marking a significant legislative move in the state. This decision positions Assam as the first state in the Northeast and the third BJP-ruled state to advance this bill. The UCC aims to create a uniform legal framework for all residents, addressing critical issues such as marriage and inheritance. Despite opposition protests, the bill includes provisions for mandatory registration of marriages and penalties for non-compliance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended the bill's historical context and its constitutional basis, asserting that it represents a long-standing demand for equality in civil law.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 16:25 IST

Assam's Legislative Milestone

On Wednesday, the Assam Assembly approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026. The bill was introduced by the ruling BJP government on Monday. With this decision, Assam becomes the first state in the Northeast and the third BJP-ruled state, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat, to take steps towards passing this legislation. The bill was passed despite significant uproar from the opposition, which demanded that it be sent to a selection committee.

Key Features of the UCC Bill

The UCC was a major promise made by the BJP ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, and the state cabinet approved its draft in an early meeting this month. The primary goal of the bill is to establish a uniform legal framework for all residents of the state, addressing issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Notable provisions include a ban on polygamy and mandatory registration of marriages and live-in relationships. According to the draft law, marriages must be registered within 60 days of the ceremony, while couples in live-in relationships are required to register within 30 days.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The state government has outlined penalties for failing to comply with the regulations, which include a fine of ₹10,000 for not registering a marriage or divorce within the stipulated time frame. Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed on Wednesday that the Congress party had advocated for a uniform civil code as early as 1925. He accused the opposition of no longer being secular and of representing only a specific community.

Historical Context and Political Implications

Responding to questions during the discussion on the 'Assam, 2026 Bill', Sarma stated that the proposed law is based on Article 44 of the Constitution, rather than any ideology of the BJP or RSS, as alleged by the opposition. He emphasized that the demand for a uniform civil code has a long history, first raised by Congress in 1925, with Jawaharlal Nehru also suggesting it in 1937. He criticized Congress for opposing the UCC from the perspective of the Quran and Sharia, rather than from Hindu, Christian, or tribal viewpoints.

Congress's Stance on UCC

Sarma further asserted that Congress's opposition to the UCC indicates that they do not represent all castes, religions, and communities, but rather a specific group. He argued that Congress fails to represent the geographical diversity of Assam.

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