Overview
The Assam government introduced the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 in the state assembly. It proposes common rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Polygamy will be banned. Tribal communities are exempted. Live-in couples must register. The Bill aims for equality and gender justice.
A New Legal Era for Assam
On 25 May 2026, the Assam government tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state assembly. This Bill proposes a common set of personal laws for all residents of Assam, regardless of their religion. It covers marriage, divorce, inheritance, live-in relationships, and child custody. The Bill was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. It is a major legal reform. The Bill seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a unified legal structure while protecting tribal communities and their customs.
What Is the Assam UCC Bill 2026?
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) means one common law for all citizens in personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. The Assam UCC Bill aims to create this common legal framework across the state. It applies to all residents except Scheduled Tribes. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the Bill aims to "consolidate and simplify laws governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships". It also claims to ensure "absolute equality and gender justice".
Marriage Rules Under the Bill
The Bill sets a standardised minimum age for marriage. It will be 21 years for men and 18 years for women. This law will apply to all communities. The Bill also makes registration of marriages compulsory. Couples must register their marriage within 60 days of the ceremony. Failure to do so can attract a penalty of ₹10,000.
However, the Bill respects cultural diversity. It allows marriages to be solemnised according to existing religious and customary practices. These include Vedic Bibah, Ahom Chaklong, Saptapadi, Ashirvad, Nikah, Holy Union, and Anand Karaj.
Polygamy and Bigamy Banned
One of the most important provisions of the Bill is the complete ban on polygamy and bigamy. A person cannot have more than one spouse at the same time. Violating this rule will attract punishment under Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The penalty can be imprisonment of up to seven years.
Live-in Relationships Come Under Legal Framework
For the first time, Assam will have a legal framework for live-in relationships. The Bill makes registration of live-in couples mandatory. They must register within one month of starting to live together. Failure to register can lead to imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of ₹10,000, or both. Giving false information during registration can lead to imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of up to ₹25,000.
The Bill also protects children born from live-in relationships. Such children will be considered fully legitimate. A deserted live-in partner will have the right to claim financial maintenance through the courts.
Divorce and Child Custody Rules
The Bill proposes uniform grounds for divorce that will apply to all communities. These grounds include cruelty, desertion, and mutual consent. Illegal dissolution of marriage can attract imprisonment of up to three years and a fine. Forcing a divorced person to fulfil unlawful conditions before remarriage can lead to imprisonment of up