UCC Bill introduced in Assam Assembly; seeks to ban polygamy, register live-in relationships

Guwahati: The Assam government on Monday tabled a Bill on the Uniform Civil Code, seeking to ban polygamy and make registration of live-in relationships compulsory.

On behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora tabled 'The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill' in the assembly.

"The Bill aims to consolidate and simplify laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships," Sarma said in the 'Statement of Object and Reasons' in the Bill. This move was opposed by Opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress. They demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

For marriage, the Bill sets 21 years and 18 years as minimum ages for men and women respectively, and prohibits polygamy, he added.

"For the first time, Bill provides a legal framework for live-in relationships. By requiring registration, the law ensures that the rights of partners -- and any children born from such unions -- are formally recognised and protected," the CM said in the Bill.

The Bill, however, said that it will not be applicable to any of the Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the tabling of the Bill in the state assembly will lead to an on-record discussion on the need for such a law.

He also maintained that it will help realise the path envisaged by the founding fathers of the nation.

"The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill in the Assam Vidhan Sabha paves the way for an on-record discussion on why #UCCAssam is the need of the hour and how it will help realise the path laid down by our founding fathers," Sarma said in a post on X.

The Bill seeks to ban polygamy and make registration of live-in relationships compulsory, though the provisions will not be applicable to any of the Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam, among other provisions.

The opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress, opposed the move and demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

(with PTI inputs)