Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to ensure equal application of law for all citizens, with a strong focus on protecting the rights of women and children. He also clarified that tribal communities will be kept outside the scope of the UCC in order to safeguard their distinct customs and traditions.
“The Uniform Civil Code in Assam will ensure equal application of the rule of law for everyone and guarantee fair rights to all, especially women and children,” Sarma said in a post on X. He added that the Janjatiya Samaj of Assam would remain exempt from its provisions.
The decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed government on Wednesday, where the cabinet approved the implementation of the UCC in the state while granting exemption to tribal groups. Sharing presentation slides on social media, Sarma described the move as “one state, one law,” aimed at creating a unified legal framework governing marriage, divorce, and succession.
The draft bill, which is set to be introduced in the Assam Assembly on May 26, proposes fixing the legal marriageable age at 18 for women and 21 for men. It also mandates compulsory reporting of all marriages and live-in relationships within 60 days.
Key provisions of the draft include equal inheritance rights for spouses, children, and parents; explicit maintenance rights for women in both marriages and live-in relationships; legal recognition of all children; and mother-centric custody provisions for children below five years of age.
Sarma further stated that the proposed UCC will ban polygamy, ensure equal property rights for daughters, and make registration of marriage and divorce compulsory. The bill also proposes strict penalties for submitting false declarations, aimed at maintaining transparency and credibility in official legal records.