Assam Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill, Banning Polygamy and Regulating Live-In Relationships
On May 27, 2026, the Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, making Assam the third Indian state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to adopt such legislation. The bill bans polygamy, sets minimum marriage ages (21 for men, 18 for women), mandates registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships, and establishes uniform inheritance rules. It exempts Scheduled Tribes. Opposition parties criticized the lack of consultation and the tribal exemption. The bill fulfills a BJP election promise.
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Madhya Pradesh CM Urges Public Suggestions on Uniform Civil Code Implementation
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on June 1, 2026, called on residents to submit suggestions for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) via a newly launched government portal. A high-level committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prasad Desai, formed in April, is touring districts to gather public opinion. Yadav stated that different customs and legal provisions for married women across religions are no longer needed, and the state must move toward a UCC. Uttarakhand implemented a UCC in 2024, Gujarat in March 2026, and Assam passed a bill on May 27, 2026. Chhattisgarh has also formed a panel. The Madhya Pradesh government aims to introduce a UCC bill in the state assembly before Deepavali 2026, with the committee tasked to submit a draft within 60 days.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Assam Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill, Becomes Third Indian State to Do So
On May 27, 2026, the Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, making Assam the third Indian state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to adopt such legislation. The Bill, introduced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeks to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, overriding religious personal laws. Key provisions include a ban on polygamy (with up to seven years imprisonment for bigamy) and mandatory registration of live-in relationships (with three months jail for non-compliance). The Bill exempts Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam. The Speaker rejected the Opposition's demand to send the Bill to a select committee for wider consultation, leading to protests from opposition members who moved to the Well of the House. The Bill was passed via voice vote amid ruling party slogans.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Assam CM Defends UCC as Security for Muslim Women; Congress Questions Tribal Exemption
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, arguing it would provide social security and independence for Muslim women. Speaking during a legislative debate on May 26, 2026, he said the BJP-led government fulfilled its election promise by tabling the bill, which bans polygamy and regulates live-in relationships. Congress MLAs, echoing AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, criticized the bill for exempting Scheduled Tribes and Adivasi communities, questioning how it can be called 'uniform' if it does not apply to all. They raised hypothetical scenarios about inter-community relationships. Separately, Sarma thanked Muslim leaders for deciding not to sacrifice cows during Bakrid, calling it a move that strengthens communal harmony. Assam is set to become the third Indian state to adopt a UCC after Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Assam Tables Uniform Civil Code Bill, Proposes Ban on Polygamy
The Assam state government introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, in the State Assembly, making it the latest Indian state to pursue a uniform civil code. The bill proposes a ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of live-in relationships, and changes to laws governing marriage, divorce, and succession. If passed, Assam will become the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to enact a Uniform Civil Code. The bill represents a significant step in the state's legislative agenda, aiming to standardize personal laws across religious communities.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Assam Government Tables Uniform Civil Code Bill with Live-In Rules and Polygamy Ban
Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, in the state assembly on Monday, introducing regulations on marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. The bill sets a minimum marriage age of 21 for men and 18 for women, prohibits polygamy, and mandates compulsory registration of all marriages and divorces. It also creates a legal framework for live-in relationships, requiring registration to protect the rights of partners and children. The legislation includes uniform inheritance rules but exempts Scheduled Tribes. Opposition parties including Congress, Raijor Dal, and Trinamool Congress criticized the move, demanding wider consultations before the bill's passage. The bill is part of the BJP's election manifesto promise to implement UCC in the state, excluding tribal communities and Sixth Schedule areas.
The Indian ExpressUCC Bill introduced in Assam Assembly
The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, in the state assembly on May 25, 2026. The bill seeks to ban polygamy, set minimum marriage ages at 21 for men and 18 for women, and make registration of live-in relationships compulsory to protect the rights of partners and children. If passed, Assam will become the third Indian state to enact a UCC, following Uttarakhand (2024) and Gujarat (March 2026). Opposition parties including Congress, Raijor Dal, and Trinamool Congress opposed the move, calling for wider stakeholder consultation. The bill is scheduled for debate on May 27.
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