Assam Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026

The Assam Legislative Assembly has passed “The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, Bill, 2026”, marking a major legislative development in the state.

The bill aims to establish a common set of civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and succession, irrespective of religion or community. The move positions Assam among the first Indian states to formally adopt a state-level Uniform Civil Code framework.

The legislation was introduced and supported by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, which described the measure as a step toward equality, legal uniformity, and social reform.

Opposition parties, however, criticized the bill, alleging inadequate consultation and expressing concerns over its impact on religious and cultural practices of minority communities. Heated debates were reported during the assembly session before the bill was eventually passed.

Government representatives stated that the law is intended to ensure equal rights for all citizens and simplify civil legal procedures, while critics warned it could trigger constitutional and social debates regarding personal laws and federal powers.