The Assam assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, making it the first northeastern state and the third BJP-ruled state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to adopt such legislation. The Bill, introduced by the BJP-led state government on Monday, was passed amid uproar from the opposition, which demanded that it be sent to a select committee.
Key Provisions of the UCC Bill
The UCC Bill seeks to create a single civil legal framework for all residents of Assam, covering marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. Among its key provisions, the Bill proposes a ban on polygamy and makes registration of marriages and live-in relationships mandatory. Marriages must be registered within 60 days of the ceremony, while live-in relationships must be registered within 30 days.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Bill lays down penalties for non-compliance. Deliberate failure to register a marriage or divorce within the stipulated period will attract a fine of Rs 10,000, according to the state government.
Political Context
The UCC was one of the BJP’s key promises ahead of the 2026 Assam assembly elections. The state Cabinet approved the draft during its first meeting earlier this month. The passage of the Bill marks a significant step in the BJP's agenda of uniform civil laws across the country.
