Intense Debate in Assam Assembly Over Uniform Civil Code Bill

Contentious Discussions on UCC Bill

Guwahati, May 27: The Assam Legislative Assembly's 16th session was marked by heated debates on Wednesday as members from the ruling NDA and the Opposition expressed starkly different views regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which was introduced two days prior and was up for a vote on the final day of the session.

Supporters from the NDA hailed the proposed legislation as a significant advancement for women's rights, while Opposition members criticized it as a mere political maneuver, calling for broader consultations before any decision is made.

BJP MLA and former minister Pijush Hazarika called for unity among legislators, emphasizing that the Bill does not target any specific religion or its practices.

In a pointed remark, Hazarika questioned how a system could be deemed just if men from certain communities are permitted to marry multiple times without their previous wives' consent. He argued, "If we advocate for equality across all religions, then such individuals should face legal consequences."

AGP legislator Prithiraj Rava discussed the UCC in terms of demographics, suggesting that it could help manage the evolving population dynamics in the state. He stated, "The real issue isn't multiple marriages but the numerous children resulting from them, which contributes to a population surge and alters demographic trends."

NDA representatives also pointed out that the Bill excludes tribal communities in Assam, ensuring that their customary laws remain unaffected.

The legislation explicitly states that it will not apply to individuals belonging to Scheduled Tribes in Assam.

Congress Legislature Party leader Wazed Ali Choudhury questioned the necessity of the UCC, arguing that the matters it addresses are already regulated by existing laws. He remarked, "The issues covered by the UCC are already managed through various legal frameworks. Why introduce the UCC now?"

Choudhury further claimed that the Bill serves as a distraction from more pressing issues like unemployment, flooding, and the declining state of government schools.

Supporting Choudhury, Congress MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar recalled the Law Commission's 2018 stance, which stated that the UCC was unnecessary and recommended extensive consultations with stakeholders if the government pursued it.

"The Assam government has introduced this Bill without engaging with various religious organizations. Many faiths and social groups lack representation in the Assembly. Our motto is unity in diversity," he stated.

AIUDF MLA Mazibur Rahman raised constitutional issues, arguing that while the UCC is introduced under Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, fundamental rights should not be compromised for directive principles. He asserted, "There is an ongoing effort to undermine the rights of certain groups."

Meanwhile, the sole All India Trinamool Congress MLA, Sherman Ali Ahmed, walked out in protest against specific provisions of the Bill, alleging it was introduced with "malicious intent."

Ahmed expressed his willingness to support the UCC in principle but insisted on the need for comprehensive discussions on contentious topics. "The government has presented this Bill with ill intentions, and as a form of protest, I am leaving the House," he declared.

He also argued that certain UCC provisions, particularly those related to marriage, contradict the teachings of the Quran. "The Quran and its teachings are paramount and should not be violated," he emphasized.

As this report was being compiled, the Chief Minister was addressing the Assembly regarding the UCC. However, given the NDA's two-thirds majority, the outcome seemed largely predetermined.