The Assam Cabinet has approved a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, paving the way for its introduction in the state legislative assembly on May 26, 2026. This decision was made during the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed government, fulfilling a key promise from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election manifesto.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a common civil legal framework for all residents on matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, aligning Assam with states like Uttarakhand, Goa, and Gujarat that have either implemented or are progressing towards a UCC. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised that the tribal communities in Assam would be exempted from the purview of this Bill to protect their traditional customs and constitutional safeguards.
What was announced
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on May 13, 2026, that the Assam Cabinet had approved the draft Uniform Civil Code Bill. The decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting of his second term as head of the state government, following the BJP’s third consecutive term victory in the recent Assembly elections. The Bill was subsequently tabled in the Assam Legislative Assembly on May 25, 2026, by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora on behalf of the Chief Minister.
Sarma clarified that the UCC would deal with succession, marriage, live-in relationships, and compulsory registration of marriage and divorce. He explicitly stated that all rituals, traditions, and customs practised by the people of Assam, as well as the tribal population, would be kept outside the scope of the Uniform Civil Code.
Why it matters
The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in Assam marks a significant policy shift, aiming to replace diverse religion-based personal laws with a common set of regulations for all citizens, except Scheduled Tribes. Chief Minister Sarma has described the Bill as a “need of the hour” to ensure equality, gender justice, and a modern legal framework for the state. The legislation seeks to address issues such as polygamy, child marriage, and women’s inheritance rights, promoting a more uniform and equitable legal system.
The move is expected to streamline legal procedures in civil matters and strengthen constitutional values. By mandating monogamy and standardising the legal age of marriage, the Bill aims to protect vulnerable sections of society, particularly women. The compulsory registration of live-in relationships is another key provision, intended to formally recognise and protect the rights of partners and any children born from such unions.
Background
The concept of a Uniform Civil Code, which calls for a single law governing personal matters for all citizens irrespective of religion, is enshrined in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy. The debate surrounding UCC has a long history, dating back to colonial India when British authorities largely refrained from interfering with personal laws of different communities. After independence, while Hindu personal laws were codified in the 1950s, a comprehensive UCC for all communities remained elusive.
Goa has had a Uniform Civil Code since the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 was adopted, continuing even after its integration into India. More recently, the BJP has consistently advocated for a UCC, making it a part of its election manifestos. Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement a UCC in January 2025, followed by Gujarat, which cleared a similar legislation in March 2026 after a committee submitted its report. Assam’s move aligns with this national trend among BJP-ruled states.
Prior to the UCC Bill, the Assam Assembly had already passed the 2025 Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill in November, which was seen as a step towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state. Chief Minister Sarma had repeatedly stated that Assam would be the third state to implement a UCC.
Key details
The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill primarily focuses on four key areas:
- Ban on Polygamy and Bigamy: The Bill strictly prohibits the practice of polygamy and bigamy for all residents under its ambit, with violations attracting imprisonment of up to seven years under Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Uniform Marriage Age: It sets a uniform minimum legal age for marriage at 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
- Mandatory Registration of Marriages and Divorces: The Bill makes the registration of all marriages and divorces compulsory, requiring couples to submit a marriage memorandum within sixty days of marriage.
- Regulation of Live-in Relationships: It introduces a legal framework for live-in relationships, making their registration mandatory within one month. Children born from such relationships would be considered legitimate, and deserted live-in partners would have explicit legal standing to claim financial maintenance. Failure to register a live-in relationship can attract imprisonment of up to three months or a fine.
Crucially, the Bill explicitly exempts Scheduled Tribes (STs) residing in Assam from its provisions, safeguarding their customary laws and constitutional protections.
Reactions
The introduction of the UCC Bill in the Assam Assembly has elicited strong reactions from both the ruling and opposition parties.
“This will certainly be a very good day for Assam. It will also be a good day for the minority women of Assam. The government has brought the UCC Bill, and I will try to cooperate with everyone regarding this Bill,” Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Das said.
BJP MLA Sushanta Borgohain supported the legislation, stating it was framed with Assamese society in mind and aimed at extending social security to vulnerable sections, including addressing issues related to triple talaq.
However, opposition parties have criticised the move. Congress MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar questioned the necessity of the UCC, arguing that existing laws already address issues like polygamy and underage marriage.
“There is no need for UCC in Assam. There is no benefit for the people of Assam. It has been brought only with a political agenda. If there is already a law to ban polygamy and there is also a law to stop underage marriage, then what is the need for the UCC?” Sikdar asked.
Congress MLA Tanzil Hussain reiterated the party’s opposition and indicated plans for protests during the Assembly session. Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that the UCC was an intrusion into personal freedoms and privacy.
Chief Minister Sarma, however, defended the Bill, stating it was not targeted at any particular religion but intended to establish uniformity in civil laws and strengthen women’s rights. He also criticised the opposition for focusing solely on Islamic personal law during debates, ignoring other communities’ traditions.
What’s next
Following its passage in the Assam Assembly, the Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill will now be sent for the assent of the President of India. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that the procedural implementation, including the notification of rules, typically takes three to six months after receiving presidential assent. Once the assent is received and rules are notified, the Bill will be fully implemented across Assam, excluding the tribal areas.
Quick FAQs
What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
The Uniform Civil Code is a proposed legislation that seeks to establish a single set of personal laws for all citizens of India, governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
Which states in India have implemented a UCC?
Goa has had a Uniform Civil Code since 1867. Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement a UCC in January 2025, followed by Gujarat which cleared a similar legislation in March 2026. Assam is the third state to pass a UCC Bill through its Assembly.
Are tribal communities exempted from the Assam UCC Bill?
Yes, the Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill explicitly exempts Scheduled Tribes (STs) residing in both hill and plain areas of Assam from its purview, ensuring their customary laws, rituals, and traditions remain protected.