If the bill is passed, Assam will become the first state in the northeast and third state in the country to pass a UCC bill, following the example of Uttarakhand, and Gujarat.
- In Goa, a form of common civil code is in practice from pre-independence under the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867.
Key highlights of the Bill
- Marriage/divorce: Compulsory registration of marriages and divorces within 60 days.
- Inheritance: Includes spouse, children, and parents of the deceased for inheritance of properties.
- Live-in relationships: Mandatory registration within one month, children born out of a live-in relationship to be considered fully legitimate.
- Polygamy: It will be prohibited with imprisonment upto 7 years.
- Tribal Exclusion: It will not be applicable to any of the Scheduled Tribes residing in Assam.
Need of UCC
- To Uphold Secularism: A secular republic like India needs a common law for all citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious practices.
- Gender Justice: It will promote gender justice by removing the inbuilt discriminatory provisions of personal laws.
- Supporting National Integration: It realizes "one nation, one law," ensuring religious practices do not obstruct legal uniformity.
- Others: To provide equal status to all the citizens, Simplification of Laws, etc.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
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