UCC – Assam Uniform Civil Code Sparks Debate Over Personal Laws
UCC – A fresh political debate has emerged in Assam after the state legislature approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026. The legislation, which introduces a common legal framework for matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, has drawn criticism from several opposition leaders, including AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi.
Speaking during an Eid Milap gathering, Owaisi questioned several provisions of the newly passed law and argued that it could affect religious practices followed by different communities. He particularly raised concerns about the exclusion granted to tribal groups while the law applies to most other residents of the state.
Questions Raised Over Community Exemptions
Owaisi said the decision to exempt tribal communities from the legislation has created questions about the principle of uniformity that the law seeks to establish. According to him, if a common civil code is intended for all citizens, providing exemptions to certain sections of the population weakens that objective.
He also referred to differences between personal laws followed by various religious communities in matters related to marriage. The Hyderabad Member of Parliament argued that customs and traditions governing family relationships vary across faiths and should be respected within the constitutional framework.
Concerns Regarding Marriage and Divorce Provisions
The AIMIM chief further expressed reservations about provisions linked to marriage and divorce. He maintained that religious communities have historically followed their own legal traditions in family matters and said the new framework could alter those practices.
During his address, Owaisi referred to Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and questioned whether certain provisions of the law could interfere with religious rights. He also criticized the requirement of a mandatory separation period before divorce proceedings can be finalized, saying it represents a significant shift from existing personal law practices.
Objections Related to Inheritance Rules
Inheritance and succession rules also became a key point of discussion. Owaisi argued that Islamic inheritance principles contain specific guidelines regarding the distribution of property and the role of legal heirs.
He expressed concern over provisions that allow individuals broader authority to decide how their assets are distributed through a will. According to his remarks, the changes differ from traditional Islamic practices governing testamentary succession and inheritance rights.
Assam Assembly Approves UCC Bill
The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, following an extensive debate between the ruling BJP-led alliance and opposition parties. The government has described the legislation as an effort to create a single set of civil laws that apply equally to residents regardless of religion.
With the passage of the bill, Assam has become the first state in the Northeast region to adopt such legislation. It also joins other BJP-governed states that have moved toward implementing a common civil framework in recent years.
Key Provisions of the New Law
The legislation introduces several significant changes. It bans polygamy and establishes a uniform legal marriage age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women. The bill also makes registration compulsory for marriages and live-in relationships.
Under the proposed framework, marriages must be registered within 60 days of the ceremony, while live-in relationships are required to be registered within 30 days. The law further outlines penalties for failing to comply with registration requirements within the prescribed timelines.
According to the state government, the objective of the legislation is to create clarity and consistency in civil matters related to family law, succession, and personal relationships. However, the bill continues to generate discussion among political leaders and community representatives regarding its potential impact on existing religious and personal law traditions.