Assam Leads with Historic UCC Bill Passage, Empowering Women and Society

In a landmark move, Assam has become the first state in the Northeast to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) legislation, signaling a major shift in the state's legal landscape. The Assam Assembly adopted the UCC Bill in a move hailed as historic by BJP MLA Bhupen Kumar Borah.

The Bill, which empowers women and marginalized communities by establishing a unified civil legal framework, faced opposition from Congress and other parties who criticized its potential infringement on privacy. Despite the opposition, the state government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, remained firm on fulfilling its electoral promise.

Proposed earlier this week and backed unanimously by the Cabinet, the Bill mandates the registration of marriages and live-in partnerships, with penalties for non-compliance. It aims to eliminate polygamy and unify legal standards for all state residents, a move seen as both progressive and controversial.

(With inputs from agencies.)