The Assam government on Monday introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Assam, 2026 Bill in the state assembly, proposing a ban on polygamy and making registration of live-in relationships mandatory.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora tabled the Bill on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The move triggered protests from opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, Raijor Dal and All India Trinamool Congress, which demanded wider consultations with stakeholders before the legislation is taken up.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons attached to the Bill, the proposed law seeks to streamline and simplify regulations governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships.
The Bill retains the legal marriage age at 21 for men and 18 for women, while introducing a blanket prohibition on polygamy.
In a significant first, the legislation also proposes a legal framework for live-in relationships, requiring couples to register their union.
The government says the provision is aimed at formally recognising and protecting the rights of partners and children born out of such relationships. However, the proposed law will not apply to Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam.
(With inputs from PTI)
