Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Opposition legislators in the Assam Assembly voiced strong opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, 2026 Bill on May 27, labeling the proposed legislation a political agenda rather than a necessary legal reform. During the debate, Congress leaders and other opposition members argued that the bill is redundant because existing laws already address issues like marriage, divorce, alimony, and polygamy.
Congress Legislature Party leader Wajed Ali Choudhury questioned the motive behind the legislation, suggesting it serves to distract the public from pressing state issues like unemployment and floods. He and other party members expressed concern that the bill could complicate legal procedures rather than simplify them. They also challenged the use of the term uniform, noting that the bill explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes from its provisions.
Legislators pointed to the lack of consultation with religious and social organizations before the bill was tabled. Congress MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar cited 2018 Law Commission recommendations that stressed the need for broad stakeholder engagement. Meanwhile, MLA Nurul Huda moved an amendment to include all communities, arguing that the Constitution prohibits discrimination based on caste or religion. AIUDF MLA Mazibur Rahman added that the government should not sacrifice fundamental rights to satisfy the Directive Principles outlined in the Constitution.
The bill, introduced by the state government, seeks to establish a common legal framework for personal matters including succession and live-in relationships. Key provisions include a ban on polygamy and mandatory registration for live-in couples, though these requirements would not apply to the state's tribal population.
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