Tezpur, May 30:
“By implementing the Directive Principle enshrined in Article 44 of the Constitution of India, realizing the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar, and acting upon the recommendations made by several judges of the Supreme Court to the Central Government, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has taken a historic step by introducing and passing The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill in the Assam Legislative Assembly. This will serve as an important instrument for establishing gender equality, social justice, and national integration in the state.”
This statement was made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam Pradesh spokesperson Shri Kishore Bhattacharya at an important press conference held at the BJP Sonitpur District Office on Saturday
Addressing the media, Shri Bhattacharya highlighted the key features of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026:
Prohibition of Polygamy
Under the Bill, monogamy has been made mandatory for all citizens. After the law comes into force, contracting a second marriage or practicing polygamy will be punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. However, existing polygamous marriages will remain legally protected.
Registration of Marriages and Live-in Relationships
The Bill prescribes a minimum marriageable age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women and makes registration of marriages mandatory within 60 days of solemnization.
Similarly, registration of live-in relationships has been made mandatory within one month. Children born from such relationships will be recognized as legitimate, and maintenance rights for partners have also been ensured.
Gender Equality in Inheritance
A uniform inheritance system has been proposed by ensuring equal inheritance rights for spouses, children, and parents irrespective of religion.
Strict Measures Against Child Marriage and Fraudulent Marriages
The Bill provides for imprisonment and fines against child marriages and marriages conducted through coercion, deception, or false information.
Special Exemption
Shri Bhattacharya clarified that Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities have been kept outside the ambit of the Bill so that their traditional customs, customary laws, and constitutional safeguards remain fully protected.
Historical and Constitutional Background
Referring to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision, Article 14 (Right to Equality), and Article 44 of the Constitution, it was stated that religion-based personal laws create inequality among citizens. It was further noted that the Hon’ble Supreme Court, in several landmark cases such as the Shah Bano case (1985), Sarla Mudgal case (1995), and Shayara Bano case (2017), had emphasized the need for implementing a Uniform Civil Code.
He further stated that implementation of the UCC has been one of the BJP’s core agendas since 1967. Just as Hindu laws were previously codified and modernized, this Bill seeks to establish a common legal framework for all citizens of Assam.
Shri Bhattacharya also remarked that Sharia law is a document that suppresses and subjugates Muslim women.
Apart from Shri Kishore Bhattacharya, the press conference was attended by Shri Dhruva Jyoti Thakuria, Co-Convenor of the BJP Assam Pradesh Media Department, and Smt. Madhusmita Hazarika, President of the BJP Sonitpur District Unit.
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