Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the state government will introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly on May 26. “The Assam cabinet has decided to introduce the UCC Bill on the last day of the state assembly session on May 26,” he stated, according to ANI.
CM Sarma elaborated that the UCC will address matters such as marriage, live-in relationships, and compulsory marriage registration, including provisions for divorce. He noted that the upcoming legislation will be in line with similar laws seen in states like Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Goa. Importantly, he emphasized that the bill will exempt tribal populations and their customs, rituals, and traditions, citing Assam’s diverse communities and their unique practices.
The introduction of the UCC reflects the BJP-led government’s broader commitment to implement a long-standing ideological promise outlined in its election manifesto. The Uniform Civil Code aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a unified set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, promoting uniform legal rights and obligations across different communities. However, this initiative remains a politically sensitive topic in India.
While only a few states, including Uttarakhand, have fully implemented the UCC framework, others like Gujarat are moving in a similar direction. CM Sarma has previously reiterated that the government’s actions will align with its manifesto and constitutional provisions, while prioritizing Assam’s identity and developmental objectives.
This announcement is part of a series of policy commitments made by the newly formed “NDA 3.0” government in Assam, indicating an intention to accelerate reform initiatives in the state during its current term.
