The Assam government on Monday introduced a major Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state Assembly that seeks sweeping changes in laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships, marking one of the most significant legal reforms proposed by the Himanta Biswa Sarma government.
The proposed legislation, tabled by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to establish a common civil framework in the state while banning polygamy and making registration mandatory for live-in couples.
Calling it an effort to modernise and simplify personal laws, the government said the Bill would create a uniform legal structure governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in partnerships.
“The Bill aims to consolidate and simplify laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships,” Sarma said in the statement attached to the legislation.
One of the key provisions in the Bill fixes the legal marriage age at 21 years for men and 18 years for women while explicitly prohibiting polygamy.
The proposed law also introduces legal recognition for live-in relationships for the first time in Assam. Couples living together outside marriage would be required to officially register their relationship under the law.
“For the first time, the Bill provides a legal framework for live-in relationships. By requiring registration, the law ensures that the rights of partners and children born from such unions are formally recognised and protected,” the Chief Minister stated.
However, the legislation excludes Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam from its ambit. Traditional customs, religious practices and tribal social systems will remain protected under the proposed framework.
The move follows a cabinet decision taken earlier this month during the first meeting of the new government term in Guwahati, where the draft Bill received formal approval before being brought to the Assembly.
According to the state government, the proposed Uniform Civil Code will mainly focus on four major areas:
- Minimum age of marriage
- Ban on polygamy
- Equal inheritance rights for daughters
- Regulation of live-in relationships
If passed, Assam would become one of the few Indian states to implement a Uniform Civil Code after Uttarakhand introduced similar legislation in 2024.
The debate around UCC has remained politically and socially significant across the country, with supporters calling it a step toward gender equality and legal uniformity, while critics have raised concerns over cultural autonomy and minority rights.
