Assam Assembly Approves Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026
Assam Legislative Assembly Passes UCC Bill
File image of Assam CM Sarma during the swearing-in event, in Guwahati. (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, May 27: On Wednesday, the Assam Legislative Assembly successfully passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the next step involves sending the legislation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya for his approval, after which it will be forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu for final assent.
After the Bill's passage, Sarma referred to it as a "historic" achievement and expressed his appreciation to the Assembly members for their backing.
"I feel honored and thank all Assembly members for endorsing this significant legislation," the Chief Minister remarked.
Although the Bill's passage is a notable legislative achievement, its actual implementation is still several months away.
Sarma provided a detailed procedural outline that the legislation must follow before it can be enacted.
The Bill will first be submitted to the Governor, who will then send it to the President of India for final approval. The law will only take effect in Assam once presidential assent is granted.
"The Bill will now be presented for the assent of Mahamahim Rashtrapati ji. Once we obtain the assent, the law will be enforced in Assam in its entirety," Sarma stated.
The Chief Minister further clarified that several rules associated with the law's implementation will need to be officially notified following presidential approval.
"There are six to seven rules concerning the law's implementation that will require Cabinet approval and notification. While the rules are prepared, they cannot be announced until we receive the Bill's assent," he explained.
Sarma suggested that the complete administrative and legal process for implementation could take between three to six months after receiving presidential approval.
"I estimate that the entire process may typically take around three to six months, after which we will be able to implement the Uniform Civil Code in Assam," he added.
The UCC Bill aims to create a unified civil framework governing issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, and live-in relationships, regardless of religious affiliation. It proposes a prohibition on polygamy and mandates the registration of live-in relationships.
The BJP-led Assam government asserts that the UCC is designed to promote equality and social justice. However, opposition parties and various organizations have raised concerns regarding specific provisions and exemptions within the legislation.
With the Assembly's approval of the Bill, attention now turns to the Raj Bhavan and Rashtrapati Bhavan, as well as the administrative processes that must be initiated before the UCC can become a reality for the people of Assam.