UCC to ensure justice for every citizen: Assam CM Himanta

On May 15, 2026, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Uniform Civil Code will ensure equal application of the rule of law for all citizens, with special emphasis on the rights of women and children. He stated that tribal communities (Janjatiya Samaj) will not be under the UCC purview to protect their customs. He outlined key provisions: legal marriageable age set at 18 for women and 21 for men, with mandatory reporting of all marriages and live-in relationships within 60 days; explicit maintenance rights for women in marriages and live-in relationships; guaranteed legitimacy for all children; mother-focused custody for children under five years; and strict penalties for false statements to ensure integrity of legal records. He also noted that the draft UCC Bill will be laid in the Assam Assembly on May 26.

Himanta Biswa Sarma posted two slides on social media detailing the proposed UCC’s objectives, reiterating that it is about 'one State, one law' and will provide a single legal system for marriage, divorce and succession.

At the first Cabinet meeting of the new government, Assam approved implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state, with tribals kept outside its purview to protect their customs and traditions. The CM described the UCC as intended to establish 'one State, one law' for marriage, divorce and succession, and identified four primary subjects: minimum age of marriage, prohibition of polygamy, equal rights for daughters in parents' property, and matters relating to live-in relationships.