Assam becomes third state to pass Uniform Civil Code Bill ::: First in north east and also first in a state like Assam where Muslim population account for above 35 per cent :::: New law will create a single civil legal framework for all on issues of marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships

 The Assam Legislative Assembly, on Wednesday, passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing that the legislation would now be sent to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya for approval before being forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu for assent. 

Two other states have it. The western state of Gujarat and Uttarakhand, also know as a Hindu-pilgrim province.  

Uttarakhand has an estimated 14 to 16 per cent of Muslim population; while in Gujarat -- it is only 10-11 per cent. 

While the passage of the Bill marks a significant legislative milestone, its enforcement on the ground remains months away. Sarma outlined a clear procedural roadmap that the legislation must travel before it can take effect.

Assam likely to have above 35-36 per cent Muslim population and a sizable Bengali Muslims. 

Analysts say next state could be West Bengal. There seems to be a contest among BJP chief ministers, especially the "converted ones" like Suvendu Adhikari and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, regarding anti-Muslim actions and rhetoric, says 'Deccan Herald' newspaper. 

Among its key provisions, the Assam UCC bill proposes a ban on polygamy and makes the registration of marriages and live-in relationships mandatory. 

Under the draft law, marriages must be registered within 60 days of the ceremony, while couples in live-in relationships will have to register within 30 days.

It lays down penalties for non-compliance, with deliberate failure to register a marriage or divorce within the stipulated period attracting a fine of Rs 10,000. 

The UCC was one of the BJP’s key promises ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. 

The new law will create a single civil legal framework for all residents of the state on issues of marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships.

The Chief Minister laid out the specific objectives driving the proposed law - ensuring women's right to property, curbing child marriage and polygamy, and expanding women's democratic participation.  

"This is a reform for the empowerment of women and I believe people across communities will eventually support it," he added.  

Similar to Uttarakhand, the Gujarat code exempts Scheduled Tribes and certain communities whose customary rights are constitutionally protected.  

The implementation of UCC has been the third major election promise of the BJP since 1990s. The two other being - abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and setting up of a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya.  

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