Assam Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill, Awaits Presidential Assent
Assam Assembly passes UCC Bill; implementation expected within six months.
The Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, marking a significant legislative move by the state government. The Bill, which seeks to introduce a common civil law framework governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession, now awaits further approval from constitutional authorities before becoming operational.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the passage of the Bill as a “historic” step and expressed gratitude to members of the Assembly for supporting the legislation. He said the Bill would now be sent to the Governor of Assam for approval and subsequently forwarded to the President of India for final assent, as required under the constitutional process.
According to Sarma, the law will come into effect in the state only after receiving presidential assent. He explained that once approval is granted, the government will notify a series of implementation rules that have already been prepared. These rules, however, cannot be formally issued until the central approval process is completed.
Also Read: Assam Cabinet Approves Uniform Civil Code With Tribal Exemptions, Bill To Be Tabled May 26
The Chief Minister further stated that the implementation process could take approximately three to six months after receiving assent. He noted that administrative procedures, including Cabinet approval of related rules and their official notification, would be required before the law is fully enforced across Assam.
The proposed Uniform Civil Code aims to establish a uniform set of rules for civil matters regardless of religion, including provisions related to live-in relationships, inheritance, and marital regulations. The Bill also includes provisions such as a ban on polygamy and mandatory registration of live-in relationships, which the government says are intended to promote legal uniformity and social equality.
While the ruling BJP government has defended the legislation as a step toward ensuring equal rights and legal clarity, the Bill has drawn criticism from opposition parties and various groups, who have raised concerns over its scope and potential implications for personal laws and community practices.
Also Read: Assam CM Welcomes Appeals To Refrain From Cow Slaughter During Eid
