The Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, marking a major legal and political development in the state. With the passage of the Bill, Assam has become the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to adopt a Uniform Civil Code.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the move fulfils a key election promise made by the BJP during the Assembly polls. Addressing the media after the Bill was passed, Sarma stated that the legislation would now be sent to the President of India for assent before becoming law in the state.
“Today Assam Assembly adopted the Uniform Civil Code. Assam will be the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to have a Uniform Civil Code,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the BJP had promised to introduce the UCC in the very first session of the Assembly if voted back to power, and the government has now fulfilled that commitment.
According to the Chief Minister, the UCC aims to bring uniformity in civil and marriage laws while ensuring equal rights for all citizens. The proposed law includes provisions related to marriage registration, inheritance rights, women’s rights, and regulation of live-in relationships.
Sarma said the legislation mandates compulsory registration of live-in relationships. Children born from such relationships will receive equal legal rights as sons and daughters born within marriage. The Bill also ensures equal inheritance rights for both sons and daughters in parental property.
The Chief Minister further stated that the UCC would replace personal laws currently applicable under the Shariat Act and the Hindu Succession and Marriage Acts in Assam. “In place of both the personal laws of Hindus and Muslims, there will be a Uniform Civil Code which shall fulfil the aspirations of everyone,” he said.
The legislation also proposes a ban on polygamy and introduces stricter regulations concerning marriage laws. However, the state government clarified that tribal communities in Assam will remain outside the purview of the UCC. Sarma said the exclusion respects the traditions and customs of indigenous tribal groups protected under constitutional provisions.
The Bill was passed amid opposition protests inside the Assembly, with several opposition parties raising concerns over its implications on religious freedom and minority rights. Despite the objections, the BJP government described the legislation as a step towards gender justice, equality, and legal uniformity.
