Syllabus: GS-II & V: Polity, Governance and Social Justice

Why in the News?

The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill on 27 May 2026, making Assam the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to enact a state-level Uniform Civil Code.

What is a Uniform Civil Code?

• A Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, maintenance and succession, irrespective of religion.
• The idea finds mention in Article 44 of the Constitution of India, which is a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
• Article 44 states that the State shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout India.

Key Features of the Assam Uniform Civil Code

• The law establishes common rules for marriage
  • A man must be at least 21 years and a woman at least 18 years to marry.
  • Neither party can have a living spouse at the time of marriage.
  • Marriages obtained through force, fraud, coercion or deception are prohibited.
  • First-cousin marriages and other marriages within prohibited degrees of relationship are not allowed.
  • Registration of marriages is mandatory within 60 days.
• The law introduces uniform grounds for divorce

• Divorce can be sought on grounds such as cruelty, desertion and mutual consent.
• Registration of divorce decrees within 60 days has been made compulsory.

• The law promotes gender-equal inheritance

• Sons and daughters are given equal inheritance rights.
• A uniform system of succession has been created for individuals dying without leaving a valid will.

• The law regulates live-in relationships

• Registration of live-in relationships has been made mandatory.
• Live-in relationships involving minors, married persons or persons within prohibited relationships cannot be registered.
• A deserted woman in a live-in relationship can claim maintenance.
• Children born from registered live-in relationships will be treated as legitimate children.
• Non-registration may attract penalties including fines and imprisonment.

• Exempted: Scheduled Tribes are completely exempt
  • The Scheduled Tribes of Assam have been granted complete exemption from the UCC.
  • The government has justified the exemption by stating that tribal communities possess well-established customary laws and social institutions.

Other Important Related Legislations in Assam

• Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Act, 2025
• The Act prohibits the practice of polygamy and strengthens monogamous marriage norms.
• Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024
• The Act mandates official registration of Muslim marriages and divorces.

Important Terms Explained

Directive Principles of State Policy

• These are constitutional principles that guide governments in policymaking but are not legally enforceable in courts.

Succession

• Succession refers to the transfer of property and assets after a person’s death.

Intestate Succession

• It occurs when a person dies without leaving a legally valid will.

Polygamy

• Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time.

Live-in Relationship

• It refers to a relationship where two adults live together without being legally married.

Customary Laws

• These are traditional community-based rules and practices that govern social life and are often followed by tribal societies.

Why is the Assam UCC Significant?

• It seeks to create a uniform legal framework for civil matters across communities.
• It aims to strengthen gender justice and equal inheritance rights.
• It promotes legal documentation and accountability through compulsory registration.
• It reflects the continuing debate between uniformity in law and protection of cultural diversity.
• It may influence discussions on Uniform Civil Code implementation in other states.

Challenges and Concerns

• Critics argue that wider stakeholder consultation was needed before enactment.
• Questions have been raised regarding privacy concerns related to mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
• Balancing constitutional values of equality with cultural and religious diversity remains a sensitive issue.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

• Article 44 of the Constitution deals with the Uniform Civil Code.
• Assam is the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to enact a state-level Uniform Civil Code.
• Scheduled Tribes are exempted from the law.
• The law provides equal inheritance rights and prohibits polygamy and first-cousin marriages.
• Registration of marriages, divorces and live-in relationships has been made compulsory.

Mains Question

Discuss the significance of the Uniform Civil Code in promoting gender justice and legal uniformity while preserving India’s cultural diversity.

One-Line Wrap

The Assam Uniform Civil Code represents an important attempt to balance equality, gender justice and legal certainty while accommodating the unique customary traditions of tribal communities.