Uniform Civil Code of Assam Act, 2026

The Uniform Civil Code of Assam Act, 2026 is a proposed legislation enacted by the Assam Legislative Assembly to establish a uniform legal framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, and live-in relationships for residents of Assam, irrespective of religion. The legislation exempts members of Scheduled Tribes and areas protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Assam became the first state in Northeast India and the third state in the country, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, to pass a Uniform Civil Code legislation.

Background

Article 44 of the Constitution of India directs the State to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens. The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code was one of the promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.

The Government of Assam, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, introduced the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, in the Assam Legislative Assembly on 26 May 2026. The Bill was passed on 27 May 2026 amid opposition protests and debate.

Provisions

Marriage and Divorce:

• Establishes a common minimum marriageable age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
• Mandates registration of all marriages and divorces.
• Prescribes uniform grounds for divorce applicable to all communities.

Inheritance and Succession:

• Provides equal inheritance rights irrespective of gender.
• Introduces a uniform framework for succession and inheritance.

Live-in Relationships:

• Requires mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
• Recognizes the rights of children born from registered live-in relationships.
• Provides maintenance rights for deserted partners.

Additional Provisions:

• Prohibits polygamy and bigamy.
• Reinforces the prohibition of child marriage.
• Establishes procedures and jurisdiction for civil courts.

Exemptions:

• Exempts Scheduled Tribes and communities protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Reactions

The passage of the legislation was welcomed by the ruling BJP and its allies, who described it as a historic step toward legal uniformity and gender justice. Opposition parties criticized the legislation, alleging inadequate consultation and expressing concerns regarding religious freedom, privacy, and minority rights.

See also

• Uniform Civil Code