Guwahati: The Assam government on Monday tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Assam Bill, 2026, in the state assembly, making it the third Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state to introduce such legislation after Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
Assam minister Atul Bora introduced the bill during the first session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly formed after the April 2026 elections. Discussion and voting on the proposed legislation are expected on Tuesday, the final day of the session.
The BJP had promised to implement a Uniform Civil Code in Assam in its election manifesto ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The state cabinet approved the draft legislation during its first meeting on May 13 after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returned to power in the state.
The proposed UCC seeks to establish a common set of civil laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession, irrespective of religion. The issue has remained politically contentious, with supporters arguing that it promotes equality while critics view it as an infringement on religious freedoms.
Ahead of the tabling of the bill, opposition leaders in Assam had said they would oppose the legislation in the assembly.
Union home minister Amit Shah had earlier reiterated during the Assam election campaign that tribal communities would remain outside the purview of the proposed UCC framework.
CM Himanta Sarma had said the UCC would regulate the minimum age of marriage, protect the right of women to family property, abolish polygamy, recognise live-in relationships, and mandate compulsory registration of marriages and divorces.
