Guwahati, 27 May (HS): Assam on Wednesday became the third state in India to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after the legislation was approved in the Assam Legislative Assembly following a marathon debate. The state is also the first in the Northeast to adopt the UCC framework.

The Bill was cleared amid strong backing from the ruling alliance, while opposition legislators opposed several provisions during the discussion in the House. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the legislation is aimed at ensuring equality and justice for all citizens, especially women.

Key provisions of the Bill include a ban on polygamy, compulsory registration of marriages and divorces and mandatory registration of live-in relationships. Scheduled Tribes in Assam, however, have been kept outside the purview of the proposed law.

The Assembly witnessed intense exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches throughout the debate. Opposition members argued that the legislation could interfere with personal religious practices, but the Bill was eventually passed by voice vote.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash