Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora tabled “The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, Bill, 2026” in the Assembly during the ongoing session. The proposed legislation is expected to be discussed and taken up for passage on May 27.
Assam tables Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in Assembly; debate and passage likely on May 27. (IANS)
The Assam government on Monday formally introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before the state Assembly, marking a significant legislative step in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government’s push for legal reforms related to marriage, inheritance and women’s rights. The move comes days after the state Cabinet cleared the draft legislation, with the government positioning the proposed law as a measure to ensure equality and legal protection across communities.
On behalf of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora tabled “The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, Bill, 2026” in the Assembly during the ongoing session. The proposed legislation is expected to be discussed and taken up for passage on May 27.
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On behalf of HCM Dr @himantabiswa, Hon’ble Minister Shri @ATULBORA2 tabled the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 in the Assam Legislative Assembly today. pic.twitter.com/bhN0adQb9n
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— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) May 25, 2026
Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Himanta called the introduction of the UCC Bill in the Assam Vidhan Sabha ‘the need of the hour’.
The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code 2026 Bill in the Assam Vidhan Sabha paves the way for an on record discussion on why #UCCAssam is the need of the hour and how it will help realise the path laid down by our founding fathers. https://t.co/vRurZ65qBA
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 25, 2026
BJP MLA Nilima Devi strongly supported the proposal and said the law was necessary to strengthen women’s rights. Speaking in Guwahati, Nilima Devi said women deserved equal legal protection and claimed the legislation would help secure their rights. She also questioned the Congress party’s opposition to the proposal and accused it of creating confusion around the issue.
Guwahati, Assam: BJP MLA Nilima Devi says, “UCC should be implemented because our women’s rights are important and they should get their due rights. Therefore, if it is implemented, it will be good. I don’t know why Congress is opposing it or creating confusion…” pic.twitter.com/WtnayHVGIt
— IANS (@ians_india) May 25, 2026
The introduction of the Bill follows the Assam Cabinet’s approval earlier this month during the first Cabinet meeting of the government’s second term held at Koinadhara in Guwahati. At the time, Himanta Sarma had announced that the legislation would be brought during the ongoing Assembly session.
The Chief Minister had called the proposed law a major reform initiative intended to establish uniform legal standards in selected civil matters. According to the government, the legislation focuses on issues linked to marriage, family rights and legal safeguards for women.
The proposed legislation is expected to deal with several civil matters currently governed through different personal laws.
Key areas covered under the Bill include:
The Assam government has stated that the legislation seeks to ensure equal legal rights and stronger safeguards for women.
The proposed law will not apply to Scheduled Tribes residing in hill and plain areas of Assam. The government has also clarified that traditional religious customs, practices, and rituals will remain exempt from the ambit of the legislation.
The state government has projected this exemption as an effort to balance legal reform with the protection of indigenous traditions and cultural practices.
If passed, Assam would become the third state in the country to adopt a Uniform Civil Code law after Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
Uttarakhand became the first state to implement such legislation in 2024, citing the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 44 of the Constitution, which states that the government should endeavour to secure a uniform civil code for citizens across India.
Earlier this year, the Gujarat Assembly also passed a UCC law, with the state government arguing that the move would provide greater legal equality and protection for women.
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