Digital Desk: The Assam Government on Monday officially tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2026 Bill in the state assembly.
Introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the bill seeks to establish a common legal framework for all residents, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
However, the proposed legislation will not apply to Scheduled Tribes (ST) residing in the state.
Key points of the UCC Bill:
1. Ban on Polygamy: Once enacted, polygamy will be strictly prohibited across Assam.
2. Prevention of Child Marriage: The bill reinforces strict age requirements for marriage, setting the minimum age at 18 for women and 21 for men.
3. Gender Equality in Property: The law mandates that women will have property rights equal to those of men.
4. Regulations of Live-in Relationships: Couples in live-in relationships must register with the authorities in advance. Furthermore, the bill ensures that any child born from such a relationship is legally recognised as legitimate.
Further debate on the UCC is scheduled for May 27 in the Assembly, and the legislation will be enacted as law across the state once the bill is passed.
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