Guwahati: In a significant political and legal development, the Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, amid strong protests from opposition parties. With the passage of the legislation, Assam has become the first northeastern state and the third BJP-ruled state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to move forward with implementing a Uniform Civil Code framework.
The Bill was introduced in the Assembly earlier this week by the BJP-led state government and was passed despite opposition members demanding that it be referred to a select committee for further scrutiny. Heated exchanges and uproar marked the proceedings as the government defended the legislation as a step toward ensuring equality and legal uniformity among citizens.
The UCC Bill aims to establish a common civil legal framework for all residents of Assam, irrespective of religion or community. The proposed law covers several personal matters, including marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, and live-in relationships.
One of the most notable provisions of the Bill is the proposed ban on polygamy. The legislation also makes registration of marriages and live-in relationships compulsory. According to the draft provisions, marriages must be registered within 60 days of the ceremony, while couples entering live-in relationships will be required to register within 30 days.
The Bill further prescribes penalties for non-compliance. Individuals who deliberately fail to register marriages or divorces within the stipulated period may face a fine of up to Rs 10,000.
The Assam government had approved the draft Bill during its first Cabinet meeting earlier this month.
