The Assam government has introduced the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 in the state assembly, proposing significant reforms in marriage, inheritance, divorce, and live-in relationships. The bill mandates compulsory registration of live-in relationships, a provision modeled after Uttarakhand's UCC law, which previously faced legal challenges over privacy concerns.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The legislation includes a ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of marriages and divorces, and uniform inheritance rules applicable to all communities except Scheduled Tribes, who remain exempt. The government argues that these measures aim to protect women and children from exploitation and ensure legal clarity.
Privacy Concerns and Criticism
Critics, however, argue that the compulsory registration of live-in relationships amounts to excessive state surveillance and infringes on personal liberty. They point to the Uttarakhand precedent, where similar provisions were challenged in court. The full text of the bill is scheduled for public debate on May 27.
The government maintains that the framework is necessary to safeguard vulnerable individuals and bring uniformity to personal laws. The debate is expected to be intense, with civil society groups and opposition parties raising questions about the balance between regulation and privacy.
