News Reporter
Guwahati, 13 January, 24: In a significant development, Assam is poised to become the third state in India, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat, to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister emphasized that the Assam version of the UCC would be tailored to the state's unique needs and would incorporate an "Assam model," with provisions exempting tribals from its purview.
"We are already addressing issues like child marriage and polygamy. The Assam bill will have some tweaks and Assam-centric innovations," Sarma stated. He further mentioned that the bill would be introduced in the state assembly after its implementation in Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
Understanding Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
The Uniform Civil Code implies a single set of laws applicable to all religious communities concerning various aspects such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance. While India has a uniform criminal code for all citizens, it lacks a uniform civil law.
Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, a part of the directive principles of state policy, advocates for the State to work towards ensuring a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed the importance of a unified legal framework, aligning with the constitutional principles. In December 2023, the Uttarakhand government approved decisions made by an expert panel tasked with drafting the Uniform Civil Code for the state.
The move towards implementing the UCC reflects a broader national discourse on legal uniformity and aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a unified legal framework for the entire nation. As Assam prepares to introduce its modified version, it opens discussions on accommodating regional variations while striving for a more standardized legal structure.