Assam introduces Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 in Assembly
The Assam government on Monday introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2026 in the state Assembly, proposing major reforms including a ban on polygamy and compulsory registration of live-in relationships.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Cabinet Minister Atul Bora on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The Bill seeks to establish a uniform legal framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and related civil matters in the state. However, it specifically exempts Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam from its provisions.
Under the proposed law, the minimum legal age for marriage has been fixed at 21 years for men and 18 years for women. The Bill also prohibits polygamy.
To safeguard legal rights and ensure better protection for spouses, the legislation makes registration of marriages and divorces compulsory. The government said this would help strengthen claims related to maintenance, inheritance, and other legal protections.
The proposed UCC Bill also mandates compulsory registration of live-in relationships, a move the state government said is aimed at ensuring legal accountability and protection of rights.
With the introduction of the legislation, Assam has become the first state in the North-East and the third BJP-ruled state in the country to table a Uniform Civil Code Bill.
The BJP had promised to introduce the UCC in Assam in its manifesto ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The state Cabinet had approved the draft legislation during its first meeting on May 13.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly stated that the proposed law aims to promote gender justice, legal uniformity and social reform while respecting the cultural and constitutional protections available to tribal communities.
The Bill is expected to trigger extensive debate both within the Assembly and across political and social circles in the state.
