Assam Assembly passes UCC Bill; CM Sarma says law to come into effect in 6 months

Guwahati: The Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stating that the legislation would now be sent to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya for approval before being forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu for assent.

Speaking to reporters after the Bill was passed in the Assembly, Sarma described the legislation as a “historic” step and thanked members of the House for supporting its adoption.

“Today, the Assam Legislative Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026. I am deeply privileged, and I express my gratitude to all members of the Assembly for adopting this historic legislation,” the Chief Minister said.

According to Sarma, the Bill will first be sent to the Governor of Assam and subsequently forwarded to the President of India for final assent. He said the proposed law would come into force in the state once presidential approval is received.

“Now the Bill will go for the assent of Mahamahim Rashtrapati ji. Once we receive the assent, the law will be implemented in Assam in letter and spirit,” he said. The Chief Minister further stated that several rules linked to the implementation of the legislation would need to be formally notified after presidential approval.

“There are six to seven rules related to the implementation of the law, which will require Cabinet approval and notification. The rules are already prepared, but they cannot be notified unless we receive assent to the Bill,” Sarma explained.

He said the administrative and legal process for implementation could take between three and six months after presidential approval. “I think the entire process may normally take around three to six months, after which we will be able to implement the Uniform Civil Code in Assam,” he added.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a common civil framework on matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion.

The Bill also proposes a ban on polygamy and makes registration of live-in relationships mandatory.

While the BJP-led Assam government has maintained that the UCC is aimed at ensuring equality and social justice, opposition parties and several organisations have voiced concerns over certain provisions and exemptions in the legislation.

IANS