Uniform Civil Code Bill Passes in Assam, Expands Legal Protections for Women and Live-In Relationships The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on Monday, establishing a unified legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships across the state. While some opposition members initially protested the measure, the government defended it as a necessary step to safeguard societal welfare and ensure equitable legal protections. Minister Atul Barua, acting on behalf of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, introduced the bill, which aims to modernize family laws while preserving cultural diversity. The UCC Bill mandates minimum marriage ages of 21 for men and 18 for women, prohibiting child marriage and imposing penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment for violations. It also criminalizes forced marriages, coercion, and fraudulent practices, with offenders facing fines and jail terms ranging from two to seven years. The law emphasizes gender equality, ensuring that children born from live-in relationships are recognized as legitimate and granting cohabiting partners legal rights to financial support through courts. A key provision of the bill is the mandatory registration of all marriages and divorces within 60 days of the union, with penalties of up to 10,000 rupees for non-compliance. The law also repeals the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, 2024, to eliminate discriminatory practices while allowing religious customs to coexist with legal standards. For instance, it permits marriages conducted through traditional rituals like Vedic ceremonies, Ahom Chakleng, Sapta Padi, or Nikah, provided they align with the principles of equality and non-discrimination.#assam_legislative_assembly #uniform_civil_code_bill #atul_barua #dr_himanta_biswa_sarma #assam_muslim_marriage_and_divorce_act
