The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, on May 26, 2024 [1].
The move represents a significant shift in the state's legal landscape by replacing diverse religious and customary laws with a single set of civil regulations. This legislation aims to standardize personal laws across different communities, a goal that has historically been a point of contention in Indian politics.
The bill establishes a common civil framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships [2]. Under the new laws, polygamy is banned, and the registration of live-in relationships is now mandatory [2]. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP) said, "Assam cabinet has decided to introduce the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly on May 26" [3].
With the passage of this bill, Assam becomes the third state in India to implement a UCC law, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat [4]. The BJP-led government said that the framework is designed to be uniform and pro-women [5].
However, the legislation faced significant pushback during the assembly proceedings. Opposition parties, including the Congress, Raijor Dal, and TMC, protested the move. These parties said that the bill was passed without broader consultation and expressed concerns that the framework excludes Scheduled Tribes [5].
Legislators in the assembly engaged in an uproar as the bill moved toward approval. Despite these objections, the government proceeded with the vote in Guwahati to finalize the legal transition [4].
“Assam becomes the third state to pass a UCC law”
The passage of the UCC in Assam signals a growing trend among BJP-led state governments to implement standardized civil laws before a potential national framework is established. By mandating the registration of live-in relationships and banning polygamy, the state is prioritizing a centralized legal identity over traditional religious or customary practices, which may lead to prolonged legal challenges from tribal communities and minority groups.
