Assam Moves Towards Implementing Uniform Civil Code

Assam is poised to become the third Indian state to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The Assam government has introduced the 'Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill' in the assembly, aiming to unify and simplify laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. The bill sets minimum marriage ages and prohibits polygamy while providing a legal framework for live-in partnerships. Scheduled Tribes will be exempt from this legislation. If passed, Assam will join the ranks of states advocating for a UCC, which seeks to ensure equal rights for all citizens under the law.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 11:28 IST

Assam's Legislative Initiative for Uniform Civil Code

Following Uttarakhand and Gujarat, Assam is on track to become the third state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). On May 25, the Assam government introduced the 'Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill' in the assembly. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora presented this significant legislation on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Objectives of the Bill Regarding Marriage and Divorce Laws

In the bill's 'Objectives and Reasons' section, Sarma stated, "The aim of this bill is to consolidate and simplify laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships." He further mentioned that the bill sets the minimum marriage age at 21 for men and 18 for women, while prohibiting polygamy.

Legal Framework for Live-In Relationships

The Chief Minister highlighted that for the first time, this bill provides a legal framework for live-in relationships. By mandating registration, the law ensures that the rights of partners—and any children born from such relationships—are formally recognized and protected. However, it is important to note that this bill will not apply to any Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam.

Cabinet Meeting and Legislative Session Announcement

Earlier, on May 13, following the first cabinet meeting of CM Sarma's second term at the Number 1 State Guest House in Guwahati, it was announced that the state government would present this law during the assembly session from May 21 to 26.

Key Topics Covered Under the UCC

The Chief Minister indicated that the UCC will primarily address four key areas: the minimum age for marriage, prohibition of polygamy, equal rights for daughters in parental property, and matters related to live-in relationships. The Assam Cabinet has approved the assembly session dates for May 21, 22, 25, and 26. If passed, Assam will join Uttarakhand and Gujarat as the third state in the country to enact the UCC. Uttarakhand introduced its UCC bill in 2024, becoming the first state to bring such a law in line with the directive principles outlined in the Constitution.

Constitutional Context of the UCC

According to Article 44 of the Constitution, the state aims to ensure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens across India. Earlier in January, marking a year since the UCC was implemented in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the law has empowered women and emphasized that their safety has increased. He noted, "All doubts, questions, and concerns regarding the UCC have been resolved. There have been no reported cases of privacy violations in over five lakh instances since its implementation, which has particularly empowered women and enhanced their safety, as well as that of others."