Assam Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Dilip Saikia on Saturday, 30 May described the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as 'a big step towards providing justice to women in the country,' days after the Assam Assembly passed the UCC Bill, 2026. The legislation now awaits the signatures of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and President Droupadi Murmu before it can come into force.

Key Developments

The Assam Assembly passed the UCC Bill on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirming that the legislation would be forwarded to the Governor and subsequently to the President for assent. Saikia noted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had campaigned on a promise to enact the UCC if returned to power in the state, and that all parties were given an opportunity to present their views before the Bill was passed.

'Opportunity was given for all the parties to put forward their opinions, and after due discussions and deliberations, the UCC was passed in the Assam Assembly,' Saikia said.

What the UCC Bill Proposes

The legislation seeks to establish a common civil framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, and live-in relationships, applicable across all religions and communities. It proposes a ban on polygamy and makes registration of live-in relationships mandatory. Saikia framed the Bill as embodying the principle of 'one nation, one law and one identity, for all religions and communities,' while also asserting that diverse cultural traditions would be preserved.

Invoking Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee's historic appeal — 'One country cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags' — Saikia said: 'The process to have only one set of personal laws in the country has begun.'

What the Government Said

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the passage of the Bill, stating it would 'usher in a new era of social justice, equality and good governance' in Assam. The BJP-led state government has consistently maintained that the UCC is aimed at ensuring equality and social justice for all citizens, regardless of religion.

Opposition and Concerns

Opposition parties and several organisations have voiced concerns over specific provisions and exemptions within the legislation, though the Bill was passed by the Assembly. Critics argue that certain communities may be disproportionately impacted and have called for a broader consultative process before implementation. This comes amid a national debate on UCC, with Uttarakhand having already enacted its own version in 2024 — making Assam only the second state to do so.

What Happens Next

The Bill must receive the Governor's approval before being sent to President Murmu for assent. Once enacted, Assam will become one of the first states in the country to implement a comprehensive uniform civil code. The timeline for implementation and the framing of rules under the Act are yet to be officially announced.