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.

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.