The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in ASSAM: Debates, Impact and Possible steps

Abstract

Abstract: Article 44 of the Constitution says, "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India." Assam is the third state, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat, all ruled by the Hindu nationalist BJP, to move toward a unified civil law for all religious groups, however the tribal communities, comprising 12.45 percent of the state’s population, will be exempted from the code. As per the government UCC will deal with four points — preventing underage marriage, banning polygamy, inheritance laws and registration of live-in relationships. It will not deal with traditional rituals or practices,” Even if the communities governed under the sixth schedule areas will be exempted, it will affect the other communities practising their customary rights. Based on the enumeration of the 2011 census, Assam has a population of 61.47 per cent Hindus, 34.22 per cent Muslims and 3.7 per cent Christians.