Assam Assembly Approves Uniform Civil Code Amid Opposition Protest

In a significant move, the Assam Assembly has approved a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill aimed at establishing a uniform legal framework for marriage, divorce, and succession, despite protest from opposition parties. Assam now stands alongside Uttarakhand and Gujarat as states that have adopted the UCC.

Despite opposition calls to refer the Bill to a select committee, Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass prompted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to advance the legislation for passage. The Bill passed following voice voting amid intense debate marked by slogans from the ruling party members.

After the Bill was passed, a resounding applause erupted in the assembly. The Bill enforces several legal changes, including mandatory registration of live-in relationships and prohibits polygamy. However, it excludes Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam, acknowledging their existing customary laws.

While opposition members criticized the Bill as a political maneuver by the BJP, Sarma asserted its constitutional foundation and refrained from imposing the UCC on tribal communities. He emphasized the legislation's alignment with the constitutional Article 44, rather than party ideology.

Nonetheless, the opposition argued the legislation would negatively impact a section of society and accused the government of diverting attention from vital issues like unemployment and education.

(With inputs from agencies.)