The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly will begin the second day of its Monsoon Session on Tuesday with several significant legislative matters, including discussions on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and eight important bills.

On Monday, the state government tabled the nearly 120-page UCC Bill along with 14 other bills. Several of these are expected to come up for detailed debate today, with the proposed Uniform Civil Code likely to dominate proceedings as the ruling party and the Opposition prepare for an extensive discussion.

The UCC proposal is being viewed as one of the state's most significant policy initiatives, drawing widespread political attention across Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's Schedule

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is scheduled to attend multiple official engagements throughout the day.

His itinerary includes:

• 10:55 AM: Arrival at the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.
• 11:00 AM: Participation in Assembly proceedings.
• 1:30 PM: Scheduled official meetings.
• 2:30 PM: Virtual participation in the Balram Krishi Mahotsav at Barwani via video conference.
• Evening: Return to the Chief Minister's residence.
• 6:45 PM: Arrival for a local programme.
• 7:00 PM: Attendance at the staging of the play "Yugpravartak Dr. Hedgewar" at Ravindra Bhavan Auditorium in Bhopal.

BJP Legislators Asked to Explain UCC

During Monday's BJP Legislature Party meeting, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reportedly urged party legislators to explain the provisions and objectives of the proposed Uniform Civil Code to the public.

He emphasized that the legislation has been prepared while considering the interests of all sections of society and encouraged MLAs to share factual information about the proposed law with citizens.

The meeting also included discussions on organisational matters and public outreach strategies.

Datia By-Election Campaign Intensifies

The Datia Assembly by-election continues to gather momentum with less than ten days remaining before polling.

Both the BJP and the Congress have intensified campaign activities, mobilising booth-level workers and planning visits by senior party leaders to strengthen voter outreach ahead of polling day.

Statewide Drive Against Adulterated Milk

The Madhya Pradesh government has also stepped up efforts to curb the production and distribution of adulterated and synthetic milk.

The Food Safety Commissioner has instructed district officials to conduct inspections at milk collection centres, dairies, Bulk Milk Cooling (BMC) centres, and milk processing units across the state.

Authorities have been directed to submit testing reports by July 31, while strict action has been ordered wherever food adulteration is confirmed.

Supreme Court to Hear Raja Raghuvanshi Case

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea related to the bail of Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the widely discussed Raja Raghuvanshi murder case.

A Bench comprising Justice Manoj Misra and Justice S. Chandrashekhar is expected to hear the petition filed by the Meghalaya government.

The case continues to attract significant public and legal attention.

Major Events in Bhopal Today

Several public events are also scheduled across the state capital.

Green Hub Festival 2026

• Time: 9:30 AM onwards
• Venue: Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal
• Entry: Free

The festival focuses on environmental conservation, sustainable development, exhibitions, and youth participation in green initiatives.

Didaar Premium Lifestyle Exhibition

• Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Venue: Radisson Hotel, Bhopal
• Entry: Free

The exhibition showcases designer fashion, jewellery, home décor, and premium lifestyle products.

A-to-Z of Opening a Successful School Workshop

• Time: 8:30 AM
• Venue: Radisson Hotel, Bhopal
• Entry: Free

The workshop is designed for aspiring school founders and covers administration, legal procedures, management, and operational planning.

Stress & Anxiety Relief Wellness Tour

• Time: 4:00 PM onwards
• Venue: Vrindavan Ashram Gaushala, Bhopal
• Entry: Free

The programme includes meditation, wellness sessions, and guidance on achieving better mental health through holistic practices.

Busy Day for Madhya Pradesh

With legislative debates, political campaigns, administrative initiatives, judicial proceedings, and public events taking place simultaneously, Tuesday is expected to be a significant day in Madhya Pradesh.

The discussions on the Uniform Civil Code, the Chief Minister's official engagements, the Datia by-election campaign, the statewide anti-adulteration drive, and key court proceedings are likely to remain at the centre of public attention throughout the day.

Amid the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav addressed a meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislature Party, calling on legislators to actively communicate the objectives and provisions of the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to the public.

Addressing party MLAs at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday night, Dr. Yadav described the proposed legislation as an important policy initiative that, according to the government, seeks to promote social harmony, equal rights, and women's empowerment.

He urged legislators to explain the proposed law in simple language so that citizens receive accurate information and greater awareness about its provisions.

"Public Awareness Is Key"

The Chief Minister said that the success of any major law or public policy depends not only on its implementation but also on how effectively people understand its objectives.

He encouraged MLAs to engage directly with residents in their constituencies and explain the purpose of the proposed Uniform Civil Code through regular public interaction.

According to Dr. Yadav, the initiative is intended to strengthen the principles of equality and justice for all citizens.

Focus on Women's Empowerment

A significant part of the discussion centred on women's rights and empowerment.

The Chief Minister said the proposed Uniform Civil Code is expected to strengthen legal protections for women and children and reinforce the principle of equal rights under the law.

He also referred to issues related to legal safeguards, including property rights, and encouraged legislators to raise public awareness about these aspects while promoting constructive dialogue within society.

BJP Leadership Calls for Grassroots Outreach

BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal, who also addressed the meeting, stressed the importance of providing factual information about the proposed legislation.

He urged party workers and elected representatives to explain the government's initiatives to people at the grassroots level and ensure that discussions remain based on verified information.

The meeting also reviewed organisational strategies aimed at strengthening the party's network down to the booth level and expanding public outreach campaigns across the state.

"Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" Campaign Highlighted

The meeting also focused on the government's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" tree plantation campaign.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP leaders encouraged legislators to promote the initiative as a people's movement for environmental conservation by motivating citizens to participate in large-scale plantation drives.

The campaign was presented as an effort to combine environmental protection with public participation and social responsibility.

Discussion on Government Programmes and Assembly Strategy

Leaders also reviewed various welfare schemes, development initiatives, and organisational activities.

The meeting included discussions on issues expected to arise during the Assembly session, future political programmes, and strategies for ensuring effective participation in legislative proceedings.

Senior leaders advised MLAs to maintain regular interaction with people in their constituencies and keep citizens informed about development projects and government initiatives.

Senior Leaders Attend Meeting

The meeting was attended by several senior BJP leaders, including:

• Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda
• Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla
• Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya
• Other ministers and BJP legislators from across Madhya Pradesh.

Party leadership also outlined upcoming organisational programmes and urged all elected representatives to participate actively in both legislative and public outreach activities.

The second day of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly's Monsoon Session is set to be politically significant, with the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) expected to dominate proceedings. The government is also scheduled to present the first supplementary budget for the financial year 2026-27, while the Opposition plans to raise issues related to farmers, public welfare, and legislative procedures.

The Assembly's Monsoon Session began on 20 July and will continue until 24 July, giving the government only five working days to complete several important legislative and financial agendas.

UCC Remains the Centre of Attention

The proposed Uniform Civil Code Bill, introduced on the opening day of the session, has emerged as the most debated issue.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has described the legislation as an important step toward ensuring equality, social harmony, and legal uniformity, while the Congress has questioned both the contents of the Bill and the manner in which it was introduced.

The Opposition argues that legislation affecting personal laws requires detailed examination and wider consultation before being passed.

Heated Proceedings on Day One

The Assembly witnessed tense scenes on Monday soon after the UCC Bill was tabled.

Congress legislators objected to the introduction of multiple Bills simultaneously and expressed concerns over the limited time available for debate. The disagreement led to repeated disruptions and heated exchanges between members of the ruling party and the Opposition.

Political observers expect another intense debate when the House reconvenes.

Key Provisions Under Discussion

According to the government, the proposed legislation aims to establish a uniform legal framework for matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family laws.

The draft reportedly includes provisions favouring monogamy while restricting polygamy, with exemptions proposed for certain Scheduled Tribes and communities enjoying constitutional protections.

These provisions have become the focus of legal and political discussions both inside and outside the Assembly.

BJP Defends the Proposal

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has maintained that the proposed UCC is intended to strengthen equality before the law, particularly by enhancing legal protections for women.

At a meeting of the BJP Legislature Party held on Monday evening, party legislators were asked to present the government's position strongly during Assembly proceedings and explain the proposed law's objectives to the public.

Congress Plans Strong Opposition

The Congress has indicated that it will seek an extensive discussion before allowing the legislation to move forward.

Congress MLA Arif Masood is also reported to have proposed amendments to the Bill.

The Opposition maintains that issues involving marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family rights directly affect citizens and therefore deserve detailed legislative scrutiny.

Supplementary Budget Also on Agenda

Apart from the UCC debate, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda is expected to present the first supplementary budget for 2026-27.

The supplementary budget will allocate additional funds to departments and schemes that require financial support beyond the allocations made in the annual budget.

The Opposition is expected to closely examine spending proposals, particularly those related to:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Rural development
• Roads and infrastructure
• Irrigation
• Social welfare programmes

Questions may also be raised regarding funding for previously announced government projects and implementation timelines.

Farmers' Issues Likely to Be Raised

Agriculture is expected to remain another major focus during the session.

Opposition members are preparing to raise concerns related to:

• Crop losses
• Farmers' payments
• Fertiliser and seed availability
• Irrigation facilities
• Rain-related damage

The Congress has indicated that it intends to challenge the government on agricultural policies alongside the debate over the UCC.

Local Civic Issues Expected in Assembly

With the monsoon season underway, legislators from both the ruling party and the Opposition are also likely to raise constituency-specific concerns.

Expected issues include:

• Waterlogging
• Poor road conditions
• Rural connectivity
• Electricity supply
• Drainage maintenance

Many of these matters may be brought up through Question Hour, Calling Attention motions, and other parliamentary procedures.

Government Faces Tight Legislative Schedule

The government has only five sitting days to complete discussions on major Bills, financial business, and other legislative matters before the session concludes on 24 July.

If prolonged debates or repeated disruptions occur, completing the legislative agenda within the limited timeframe could become challenging.

Political Significance Beyond the Assembly

The debate over the Uniform Civil Code extends beyond the Assembly and has become a significant political issue across Madhya Pradesh.

The BJP continues to project the proposal as a reform aimed at ensuring equal civil rights and promoting gender justice, while the Congress has questioned both the legislative process and the broader implications of the proposed law.

The discussions during the Assembly session are expected to shape political discourse in the state in the coming weeks.

Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting held at Chaman Mahal in Jagdishpur, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the government is fully prepared to present the legislation in the Assembly. He described equality as an integral part of India's cultural values and said the proposed law reflects the constitutional principle of equal rights for all citizens.

Bill to Be Introduced in Assembly

With the Cabinet's approval, the state government will now move the legislation to the Assembly for debate and passage. If enacted, Madhya Pradesh will join the growing list of states that have either implemented or legislated the Uniform Civil Code.

The proposed legislation is expected to address civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, adoption, and maintenance under a common legal framework. The detailed provisions of the Bill are expected to become clearer once it is formally introduced in the Assembly.

Chief Minister Highlights Equality and Cultural Heritage

Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the government's decision aligns with the constitutional vision of equality and justice.

He also highlighted the historical significance of Bhopal and Jagdishpur, recalling the legacy of King Bhoj, the Parmar dynasty, the Gond rulers, and Rani Kamlapati. The Chief Minister said the region has long been a centre of Indian civilization and cultural heritage.

The Cabinet meeting venue also featured an exhibition showcasing tribal culture and local heritage, while tribal artists presented traditional folk performances. Cabinet ministers travelled to the venue in electric buses as part of the government's sustainability initiative.

Progress of UCC in Other States

The Uniform Civil Code has gradually gained momentum in several states:

• Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The Bill was passed in February 2024, received Presidential assent in March 2024, and came into force in January 2025 after the approval of implementation rules.
• Gujarat became the second state to pass a UCC Bill when its Assembly approved the legislation in March 2026.
• Assam passed its Uniform Civil Code Bill in May 2026. The legislation exempts Scheduled Tribes (Hill and Plain) and protects traditional religious customs and practices.

Goa Already Follows a Common Civil Code

Although Goa has long operated under a common civil law system, it does so through the Portuguese Civil Code, which predates India's Independence. Therefore, Uttarakhand is widely regarded as the first Indian state to implement a Uniform Civil Code after Independence.

Historical Background of the Uniform Civil Code

The idea of a Uniform Civil Code has been discussed for nearly two centuries.

In 1835, the British administration recommended uniform laws relating to criminal matters, evidence, and contracts while keeping personal laws based on religion separate. After Independence, the issue resurfaced during constitutional debates.

The B. N. Rau Committee, constituted in 1941, recommended reforms in Hindu personal laws. Subsequently, the Hindu Code Bill was introduced in the Constituent Assembly in 1948, aiming to reform marriage, inheritance, and women's rights within Hindu society.

Today, the Uniform Civil Code continues to be debated as a constitutional and policy issue, balancing the principles of equality, religious freedom, and personal laws.

Amid the ongoing debate over the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Madhya Pradesh, a major consultation meeting is scheduled to be held in Bhopal on Sunday to deliberate on the constitutional, legal and social implications of the proposed legislation.

The discussion will take place from 2 pm to 5 pm at Mezbaan Marriage Hall in Kohefiza and is expected to bring together representatives of Muslim organisations, Islamic scholars, legal experts, intellectuals and members of various political parties. Organisers say the meeting aims to facilitate a democratic and constitutional dialogue on one of the country's most debated legal reforms.

Experts to Share Diverse Perspectives

Several prominent personalities are expected to participate in the programme, including former Chhattisgarh Director General of Police (DGP) M.W. (Mohammad Wazir) Ansari, senior advocate Sajid Ali, former Bhopal Mayor Deepchand Yadav and AIMIM Madhya Pradesh president Mohsin Ali Khan.

The speakers are likely to examine the proposed UCC from multiple perspectives, including constitutional provisions, legal implications, social impact and its possible effect on different communities. The event is expected to encourage an exchange of views rather than arrive at any formal resolution.

Dialogue Within Constitutional Framework

The organisers have invited religious scholars, lawyers, social organisations, political representatives and members of civil society from across Bhopal to participate in the discussion.

According to the organisers, the objective is to promote informed debate and encourage stakeholders to present their opinions within the democratic and constitutional framework. They believe that discussions involving multiple viewpoints are essential before any major legal reform is implemented.

Public Feedback Shows Mixed Response

The meeting comes at a time when the Madhya Pradesh government is analysing public suggestions received on the proposed Uniform Civil Code.

The state-level committee has reportedly received around 9.5 lakh public suggestions. Among them, responses from the Muslim community have revealed a notable difference between the opinions of men and women.

Of the nearly 44,000 suggestions received from Muslims, around 29,000 came from men and 15,000 from women. Official data indicates that about 38% of Muslim men supported the proposal, while nearly 71% of Muslim women expressed support for introducing a Uniform Civil Code.

Women's Support Draws Attention

Legal experts and social observers believe the higher level of support among Muslim women could be linked to expectations of stronger legal safeguards relating to inheritance rights, maintenance, gender equality and family laws.

Issues such as equal rights in ancestral property, restrictions on polygamy, legal protection for divorced women and reforms in personal laws are considered among the factors influencing women's responses during the public consultation process.

The differing viewpoints within the community have become one of the key aspects of the feedback being examined by policymakers.

Draft UCC in Final Stages

The Madhya Pradesh government is currently in the final stages of preparing the draft Uniform Civil Code.

According to earlier reports, the proposed framework may include mandatory registration of live-in relationships and a formal legal process for ending such relationships instead of allowing separation through mutual verbal consent alone. These provisions are among several proposals being examined before the draft is finalised.

With consultations continuing and stakeholder meetings taking place, the government is expected to consider both public feedback and expert opinion before moving ahead with the proposed legislation.

The Maharashtra government has formally initiated the process of drafting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by constituting a seven-member expert committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the decision in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, describing it as a significant step towards creating a common civil framework in the state.

The committee has been tasked with examining the legal, constitutional, social and administrative aspects of implementing a Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra. It has been asked to submit its recommendations to the state government within six months, after which the government will prepare the final draft of the proposed legislation.

Committee Composition

The panel comprises experts from the judiciary, administration and social sector. Besides Justice Ranjana Desai as chairperson, the members include former Bombay High Court judges Justice R.C. Chavan and Justice S.G. Mehere, former Chief Secretary D.K. Jain, former Advocate General Birendra Saraf, social activist Ramesh Patange and educationist Suvarna Rawal.

According to the state government, the committee has been constituted to ensure that the proposed law is drafted after a comprehensive assessment of constitutional provisions, existing personal laws and practical implementation challenges.

Report Expected Within Six Months

Chief Minister Fadnavis said the committee would carry out detailed consultations before submitting its report. Based on its recommendations, the Maharashtra government will prepare the final draft of the Uniform Civil Code.

The government has indicated that the draft legislation will be prepared only after evaluating the committee's findings and ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements.

Government Targets Winter Session

The Chief Minister said the state government aims to introduce the Uniform Civil Code Bill during the upcoming winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur.

He added that all constitutional and legal procedures would be followed before the legislation is brought before the Assembly and Legislative Council.

According to the government, the proposed law seeks to establish a common civil framework governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption while remaining consistent with constitutional provisions.

State Push for Uniform Civil Code

The announcement comes days after the Maharashtra government began the formal process of examining the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.

Speaking in the Assembly, Fadnavis reiterated that the Directive Principles of State Policy encourage the State to work towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens. He also referred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of legal uniformity and equality in civil matters.

Background of UCC in India

The Uniform Civil Code has remained a subject of constitutional and political debate for decades. It seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a common set of civil laws governing issues such as marriage, divorce, succession and adoption.

Goa continues to follow a common civil code inherited from the Portuguese Civil Code, making it the only state with such a system predating Independence.

Uttarakhand became the first Indian state after Independence to implement a Uniform Civil Code in January 2025. Gujarat passed its UCC Bill in March 2026, followed by Assam in May 2026, although implementation processes continue in those states with specified exemptions.

The Maharashtra government's latest move marks another significant development in the broader national debate on the Uniform Civil Code, with the committee's recommendations expected to shape the state's legislative roadmap in the coming months.

The Madhya Pradesh government's plan to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill during the upcoming Monsoon Session of the State Assembly appears to have been delayed after the tenure of the high-level expert committee drafting the legislation was extended until July 26, 2026.

The Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly is scheduled to conclude on July 24, creating a narrow window that makes the introduction of the proposed legislation during the current session unlikely. The extension has raised fresh questions over the timeline for one of the state's most significant legal reform initiatives.

According to a notification issued by the Department of Law and Legislative Affairs on June 30, the committee's tenure has been extended following a request from its member secretary. The government cited the progress of the draft and the need for additional time to complete the exercise. The notification clarified that all other provisions related to the constitution of the committee will remain unchanged.

Sources familiar with the drafting process indicate that nearly 90 percent of the proposed framework has already been prepared. The draft is reportedly modeled largely on the Uniform Civil Code framework adopted in Gujarat, with provisions covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, wills, maintenance, child custody and live-in relationships under a common legal structure applicable across communities.

The proposed legislation is aimed at establishing uniform civil laws for family-related matters irrespective of religion, while bringing greater consistency to the state's personal law framework. Officials involved in the process say the committee is working to finalize legal provisions after examining constitutional, administrative and social aspects of the proposed code.

Speculation over the Bill's introduction had intensified after Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav recently stated that the state government was aiming to bring the Uniform Civil Code into the legal framework during the July Monsoon Session. Adding to those expectations, the draft proposal was presented before the Chief Minister on July 2, where senior officials reportedly reviewed its key provisions.

Despite the extension granted to the committee, government sources have not completely ruled out the possibility of expediting the process. Officials indicated that if the remaining work is completed ahead of schedule and the draft receives final approval, the government could still explore legislative options. However, with the Assembly session ending two days before the committee's revised deadline, introducing the Bill during the current session is considered administratively challenging.

The Madhya Pradesh government had constituted the high-level expert committee earlier this year as part of its commitment to examine the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in the state. The panel was tasked with studying existing personal laws, reviewing legal precedents and preparing a comprehensive blueprint for a uniform legal framework governing civil matters such as marriage, adoption, succession and maintenance.

If enacted, Madhya Pradesh would join the growing list of states moving towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code after similar initiatives in Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The proposed legislation is expected to remain one of the government's key legal and policy priorities once the committee submits its final recommendations.

Political observers believe the extension reflects the government's preference to ensure legal robustness and administrative preparedness before placing the Bill before the Assembly, rather than rushing a complex legislative proposal.

With the committee now expected to submit its final draft by July 26, attention will shift to the government's next course of action and whether the UCC Bill will be introduced in a subsequent special sitting or the next Assembly session.

The passage of the Assam Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026 marks the third BJP-ruled state to move ahead with common civil legislation, banning polygamy

The Assam Legislative Assembly has successfully passed the highly debated Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, amid heavy resistance and loud shouting matches from opposition benches. The legislative clearance, passed via a voice vote on Wednesday, turns Assam into the third BJP-ruled state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to establish a common civil framework. 

Core legal reforms introduced

The newly passed legislation aims to replace diverse, religion-based personal laws with a uniform set of civil codes governing marriage age, divorce, alimony, property inheritance, and child adoption across all resident communities. The law sets a standardized legal marriage age of 21 years for grooms and 18 years for brides. Crucially, it proposes stringent penalties for violations, including up to seven years of imprisonment for bigamy or polygamy, and up to three months in jail for failing to register a live-in relationship.

Exclusions for tribal populations

Addressing deep-seated concerns over the preservation of indigenous identities in the Northeast, the state government clarified that tribal communities will remain entirely outside the purview of the law. The Bill explicitly states that it will not apply to the Scheduled Tribes of Assam. To safeguard cultural diversity, full freedom of ritual remains intact, allowing marriages to be solemnized through any existing religious ceremony or custom, including Nikah, Vedic Bibah, Anand Karaj, or Holy Union.

Opposition flags social harmony

The opposition benches staged noisy protests, moving into the Well of the House and demanding that the legislation be referred to a select committee for wider public consultations. Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass rejected the demand, leading to sustained sloganeering while the ruling bench pushed the Bill through. Despite the political pushback, the ruling NDA coalition cleared the landmark bill, fulfilling a major core electoral promise from their assembly election manifesto.

The Assam Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill on Wednesday, making the state the third in the country to enact the common law after Uttarakhand and Gujarat.

The Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, bringing in a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships across all religious communities in the state. The legislation was cleared through a voice vote after a day-long debate that saw sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches.

Opposition Walks to Well

As Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass rejected the opposition's demand to send the Bill to a select committee for wider consultations, legislators from Congress and other opposition parties moved to the Well of the House. They raised slogans even as the voting proceeded. The Speaker then called upon Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to move the Bill for passage.

Treasury benches responded with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Shree Ram" as the Bill was put to vote.

What the Bill Changes

According to the Statement of Object and Reasons attached to the Bill, the proposed law seeks to simplify and unify rules governing personal matters that are currently guided by different religious codes. The legislation explicitly bans polygamy across all communities.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the House that the Bill sets the minimum marriage age at 21 years for men and 18 years for women. Officials confirmed that the age provision applies uniformly regardless of religion.

Live-in Relationships Come Under Scanner

The Bill introduces a mandatory registration framework for live-in relationships. Sources familiar with the draft said the provision aims to formally recognise and protect the rights of partners and any children born from such relationships. Registration will be required within a specified timeframe, though procedural details are yet to be notified.

Local authorities in Guwahati and other district headquarters have begun preliminary groundwork for implementing the registration system, officials said.

Assam Joins Uttarakhand, Gujarat

With this passage, Assam becomes the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to pass a UCC Bill. Goa already follows a common civil law framework dating back to the Portuguese era, though legal experts note that Goa's model differs in certain provisions.

The Assam UCC Bill 2026 had been flagged by the Sarma administration as a priority legislation. Speaking in the Assembly after tabling the Bill, the Chief Minister reminded members of his earlier stance. "I already gave this option before that I will clear the Bill in the first session itself. If you want to stop this, prevent me from becoming CM. There is no point now in sending it to a select committee," he said.

What Happens Next

The Bill now awaits the Governor's assent before it can be notified as an Act. Officials indicated that the implementation timeline would be worked out in consultation with district administrations. Legal experts have said challenges to certain provisions cannot be ruled out once the law comes into force.

The opposition has indicated it may explore legal options. Meanwhile, the state government is preparing a public awareness campaign ahead of implementation.

Assam Cabinet Clears UCC Bill; Presentation in Assembly on May 26

The Assam Cabinet has officially approved the draft of the Uniform Civil Code Bill, scheduled for introduction in the state assembly on May 26, while exempting tribal communities.

 In a significant move toward fulfilling a core electoral promise, the Assam Cabinet on Wednesday gave its green light to the draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the media following the cabinet meeting, confirmed that the legislation is set to be tabled on the floor of the Assembly on May 26, marking the final day of the ongoing session.

The development signals the BJP-led government’s intent to streamline personal laws in the state, making Assam one of the few Indian states to move toward a common legal framework for civil matters. The Chief Minister indicated that the Bill focuses primarily on the legalities surrounding marriage, divorce, and the emerging legal landscape of live-in relationships.

Focus on Mandatory Registration

A primary pillar of the proposed law in Assam is the compulsory registration of marriages and divorces. Sources familiar with the matter said the government aims to create a transparent legal trail for these civil unions to prevent litigation and protect the rights of spouses. By making registration mandatory, the state intends to bring all such personal milestones under a unified administrative umbrella, regardless of the religion of the parties involved.

The Chief Minister noted that the legislation draws inspiration from existing models in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Goa. While the core principles of the Uniform Civil Code aim for a singular legal standard, the Assam version has been tailored to meet the specific socio-political realities of the Northeast.

Tribal Communities Kept Outside

Recognizing the state's complex social fabric, the Cabinet has decided to fully exempt tribal communities from the purview of the UCC. This decision comes after extensive internal deliberations regarding the protection of indigenous identities. Tribal groups in Assam are governed by diverse customs, rituals, and traditional laws that have been preserved for generations.

"Assam is a land of many communities, each with its own separate traditions," Sarma told reporters. He clarified that the law would not interfere with the unique cultural practices of the state's tribal population, ensuring that their customary rights remain untouched even as the rest of the state transitions to the new civil code.

Aligning with National Trends

The push for UCC in Assam is part of a broader momentum within BJP-governed states. Uttarakhand recently became the first state in independent India to pass such a law, and Gujarat is reportedly in the advanced stages of drafting its own version. For the Sarma administration, this move is seen as a fulfillment of a "long-standing promise" made during the election campaign.

Supporters of the Bill argue that a common civil law is essential for gender justice and equality, replacing fragmented personal laws based on religious texts with a modern, secular legal framework. However, the move is expected to face scrutiny from opposition benches and certain community leaders who view it as an infringement on religious freedom.

Implementation and Legal Scope

Beyond marriage, the UCC is expected to cover aspects of inheritance and adoption. By creating a uniform set of rules, the government hopes to simplify the judicial process in civil disputes. Legal experts suggest that the inclusion of live-in relationships—modeled after the Uttarakhand Bill—might require individuals to register their status with local authorities, a move that has sparked debates on privacy in other states.

Local authorities in Guwahati have indicated that administrative preparations are already being discussed to handle the projected increase in civil registrations once the Bill is passed and notified.

Political Significance of May 26

The timing of the Bill’s introduction is noteworthy. Presenting it on the final day of the Assembly session ensures that the UCC remains the focal point of the state's political discourse heading into the monsoon season. The "NDA 3.0" government in Assam has positioned this as a landmark reform, characterizing it as a step toward a "New Assam" where development and legal uniformity go hand-in-hand.

As the state prepares for the May 26 session, all eyes will be on the specific clauses of the draft, particularly how it balances the push for uniformity with the diverse cultural landscape of the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys.

SC Notice to Centre on Muslim Inheritance Law Plea

Petition Alleges Gender Discrimination

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Union government’s response on a public interest litigation challenging the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, over provisions that allegedly discriminate against Muslim women in matters of inheritance.

A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notice to the Ministry of Minority Affairs after hearing advocate Prashant Bhushan, who appeared for petitioners Poulomi Pavini Shukla and the Nyaya Naari Foundation.

Constitutional Violations Flagged

The petition contends that existing inheritance rules under the Shariat Act grant Muslim women half or even less of the share given to male counterparts. This, the plea argues, violates Article 14, which guarantees the right to equality.

Bhushan submitted that succession is a civil matter and does not qualify as an “essential religious practice” protected under Article 25 of the Constitution. “This is a very important constitutional issue that requires consideration by this Court,” he told the Bench.

Court Tags With Pending Cases

The Bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Panchol, tagged the matter with similar pending petitions. The court is already hearing cases filed by Muslim individuals seeking application of the Indian Succession Act instead of Shariat law in inheritance disputes.

According to officials familiar with the proceedings, the court agreed that the issue warrants constitutional scrutiny.

Uttarakhand UCC Cited as Precedent

The petition has invoked the Uniform Civil Code enacted in Uttarakhand in 2024 to highlight geographical discrimination. It argues that Muslim women in Uttarakhand now receive equal inheritance rights under the UCC, while those in other states remain bound by the unequal provisions of the Shariat Act.

This creates an unconstitutional classification based solely on location, the plea states.

 Key Reliefs Sought Before Apex Court

The petitioners have asked the court to declare Section 2 of the 1937 Act void to the extent it discriminates against Muslim women, arguing it violates Articles 13, 14, 15, and 21. They also want a ruling that inheritance rules under Shariat are not essential religious practices.

Interim directions have been sought to ensure uniform, gender-equal inheritance rights for Muslims across India until Parliament amends the law. The plea also requests the court to direct the Union government to amend succession laws in line with constitutional guarantees.

 Constitutional Questions at Core

Legal experts tracking the case say it raises fundamental questions about the intersection of personal laws and fundamental rights. Can religious personal laws governing succession withstand scrutiny under the Constitution’s equality framework? The answer may reshape inheritance rights for millions of Muslim women.

 What Happens Next

The Centre has been given time to file its response. The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter alongside pending petitions in the coming weeks. Legal observers note that any judgment could have far-reaching implications for personal law reforms across the country.

As per sources, the government is yet to formulate its official stand on whether it supports amending the 1937 Act or defending its provisions as protected religious practice.