The legislation introduces a common civil framework on marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships, while excluding Scheduled Tribes from its ambit
Guwahati: The Assam Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026 after an intense day-long debate marked by opposition protests, slogan-shouting and a walkout by Trinamool Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed.
With the legislation cleared through a voice vote, Assam became the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to adopt a Uniform Civil Code. The Bill seeks to establish a common legal framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships across communities, while exempting Scheduled Tribes residing in the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the Bill, stating that it was rooted in “Article 44 of the Constitution” and not linked to “any BJP or RSS ideology”. He also claimed Congress had historically supported the idea of a UCC. “The UCC was first demanded by Congress in 1925,” the CM told the House.
The proposed law bans polygamy, mandates registration of live-in relationships and provides equal property rights to sons and daughters. Sarma further said children born from live-in relationships would receive “complete legal status” and inheritance rights.
Meanwhile, Congress, AIUDF and Raijor Dal legislators strongly opposed the Bill, calling it politically motivated and questioning the exclusion of tribal communities. Congress leader Wazed Ali Choudhury argued that several provisions already exist under current laws and demanded the Bill be referred to a select committee.
During the proceedings, opposition MLAs staged protests inside the House, while ruling party members raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shree Ram” before the Speaker declared the Bill passed.
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