Uniform Civil Code of Assam Act, 2026
| The Uniform Civil Code of Assam Act, 2026 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Assam Legislative Assembly | |
| |
| Citation | Act No. XX of 2026 |
| Territorial extent | Assam |
| Enacted by | Assam Legislative Assembly |
| Enacted | 27 May 2026 |
| Legislative history | |
| Bill title | The Uniform Civil Code, Assam Bill, 2026 |
| Bill citation | Bill No. XX of 2026 |
| Introduced by | Himanta Biswa Sarma |
| Introduced | 26 May 2026 |
| Finally passed both chambers | 27 May 2026 |
| Summary | |
| A law to establish a uniform civil framework relating to marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance and live-in relationships. | |
| Status: In force | |
The Uniform Civil Code of Assam Act, 2026 is a proposed legislation enacted by the Assam Legislative Assembly to establish a uniform legal framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, and live-in relationships for residents of Assam, irrespective of religion. The legislation exempts members of Scheduled Tribes and areas protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.[1]
Assam became the first state in Northeast India and the third state in the country, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, to pass a Uniform Civil Code legislation.[2]
Background
Article 44 of the Constitution of India directs the State to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens. The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code was one of the promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.[3]
The Government of Assam, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, introduced the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, in the Assam Legislative Assembly on 26 May 2026. The Bill was passed on 27 May 2026 amid opposition protests and debate.[4][5]
Provisions
Marriage and Divorce:
- Establishes a common minimum marriageable age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
- Mandates registration of all marriages and divorces.
- Prescribes uniform grounds for divorce applicable to all communities.
Inheritance and Succession:
- Provides equal inheritance rights irrespective of gender.
- Introduces a uniform framework for succession and inheritance.
Live-in Relationships:
- Requires mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
- Recognizes the rights of children born from registered live-in relationships.
- Provides maintenance rights for deserted partners.
Additional Provisions:
- Prohibits polygamy and bigamy.
- Reinforces the prohibition of child marriage.
- Establishes procedures and jurisdiction for civil courts.
Exemptions:
- Exempts Scheduled Tribes and communities protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.[6][7][8]
Reactions
The passage of the legislation was welcomed by the ruling BJP and its allies, who described it as a historic step toward legal uniformity and gender justice. Opposition parties criticized the legislation, alleging inadequate consultation and expressing concerns regarding religious freedom, privacy, and minority rights.[9][10]
See also
References
- ↑ "THE UNIFORM CIVIL CODE, ASSAM, 2026". Assam Legislative Assembly. Government of Assam. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "Assam becomes third state to adopt UCC: Reform for gender justice or communal politics?". Sabrang India. Sabrang Communications and Publishing Pvt. Ltd. 29 May 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026". Assam Legislative Assembly. Government of Assam. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ Mander, Harsh (22 May 2026). "India's Uniform Civil Code Promises Equality, Delivers Surveillance". The India Forum. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "Assam Assembly passes UCC Bill, becoming third state to adopt legislation". News On AIR. Prasar Bharati. 27 May 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "Assam Assembly passes Uniform Civil Code Bill". The Hindu. Guwahati. 27 May 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "Assam govt tells HC Muslim Marriages Act stands repealed under UCC". The Assam Tribune. Guwahati. 3 June 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "Assam Assembly Passes UCC Bill". Verdictum. 27 May 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ Bordoloi, Animesh (4 June 2026). "Why Assam UCC can face more questions in court than in the state Assembly". ThePrint. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ Choudhury, Ratnadip (8 June 2026). ""Where Is Uniformity?" Assam Islamic Body Opposes Uniform Civil Code Bill". NDTV. Retrieved 28 June 2026.