The third day of the Assam Assembly session witnessed the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora tabled the Bill on behalf of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Before the Bill was introduced, Opposition members demanded consultations with various organisations and stakeholders across the state. However, Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass allowed the introduction of the Bill through a voice vote, following which the Minister formally tabled it in the House.
The proposed legislation is scheduled to be discussed and considered for passage on May 27. The Bill covers issues such as the legal age of marriage, polygamy, divorce, live-in relationships, maintenance and inheritance. It was approved by the state Cabinet on May 13. Chief Minister Sarma has stated that tribal communities in Assam will remain outside the purview of the proposed law. If passed, Assam will become the third state in the country to enact a Uniform Civil Code, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
