The Assam Legislative Assembly today adopted the Uniform Civil Code Bill, making Assam the first state in the North East and the third state in the country to adopt such legislation. The Bill, introduced during the first session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday, was passed by the House today on the concluding day of the session.
The Assam Government had formally introduced The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, Bill, 2026 in the Assembly on Monday. Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora tabled the Bill on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The legislation seeks to establish a single civil legal framework for all residents of the state in matters relating to marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. The Bill excludes Scheduled Tribes from its purview in order to preserve constitutional protections and customary practices, while replacing religion-based personal laws with a common framework aimed at ensuring equality and gender justice.
Under the marriage provisions, the Bill mandates monogamy and prescribes a uniform legal age of 21 years for grooms and 18 years for brides. At the same time, it safeguards cultural and religious diversity by allowing marriages to be solemnized through any existing religious ceremony, custom, or traditional practice.
Speaking to the media after the passage of the Bill, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the legislation would now be sent to the Governor of Assam and subsequently forwarded to the President of India for assent. He stated that the Uniform Civil Code would be enforced in the state soon after receiving Presidential approval.
The Chief Minister said the adoption of the Uniform Civil Code was one of the commitments made in the ruling alliance’s election manifesto and described the passage of the Bill during the very first session of the newly constituted Assembly as a historic achievement.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has congratulated the people of Assam for the passage of the Uniform Civil Code in the State Assembly. In a social media post, Mr Shah said that the Uniform Civil Code has been the BJP’s resolve since the day of its foundation. The Union Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP-led state governments are establishing uniform law for every citizen. He expressed happiness that after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, Assam too has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill today. Mr Shah added, the Government is committed to enshrining the principle of equality before the law in every part of the country.
