Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on Wednesday, marking a significant legislative shift in the state. Assam is now the third state in India to adopt such a code, following similar legislative moves in Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
The passage of the bill occurred despite intense resistance from Opposition parties, who argued that the legislation required further review by a select committee. Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass rejected this demand, which led to protests on the floor of the House as Opposition members gathered in the Well to voice their dissent.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrated the outcome, describing it as a historic milestone that fulfills both the constitutional goals outlined in Article 44 and the BJP's 2026 election campaign promises. The state Cabinet approved the draft shortly after the assembly elections, moving quickly to prioritize the legislation during the inaugural session.
The new law establishes a unified legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, regardless of a citizen's religion. However, the legislation explicitly excludes the state's Scheduled Tribes from its provisions. Key measures within the bill include a ban on polygamy and strict registration requirements. Couples must register marriages within 60 days, while those in live-in relationships are required to register within 30 days.
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