Assam minister Pijush Hazarika strongly defended the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Assam Assembly and questioned the continuation of separate marriage laws for different communities, particularly Muslims, during a discussion on the legislation.
Speaking during the fourth day of the Assembly session, Hazarika argued that laws governing marriage and family matters should promote equality across communities and maintained that civil matters should operate under a common legal framework. His remarks came as the proposed UCC continued to trigger debate among ruling and opposition legislators in Assam.
The comments added to the larger political discussion around the Assam government’s effort to move ahead with a Uniform Civil Code, which seeks to introduce common provisions on issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, and related civil matters.
Pijush Hazarika Questions Separate Marriage Laws
During the Assembly debate, Hazarika questioned why different marriage rules should continue for Muslims and defended the idea of a common legal framework.
Referring to the issue of polygamy, the minister argued that laws should reflect equal treatment and accountability. He stated that situations allowing multiple marriages without equal safeguards for women should not continue under modern legal systems. According to him, legal reform should focus on strengthening equality and ensuring that women receive protection through uniform civil provisions.
Hazarika argued that lawmakers should support rules that promote equality and said the purpose of the legislation was not to target any particular religion but to establish common standards in civil matters.
His intervention became one of the key moments during the Assembly discussion and brought attention to the government’s broader argument in favour of implementing the Uniform Civil Code in Assam.
Government Says UCC Deals With Civil Matters, Not Religion
Defending the proposed legislation, Hazarika rejected claims that the Uniform Civil Code interferes with religious practices.
According to the minister, the proposed law focuses only on civil subjects and does not attempt to regulate rituals or faith-based practices. He said the Bill addresses areas such as marriage, maintenance, inheritance, succession, and family-related legal provisions.
Supporters of the proposal have argued that a common legal framework would strengthen equal treatment under law and simplify civil administration.
The Assam government has maintained that the proposed UCC aims to ensure greater social justice and equality while keeping religious practices outside the scope of regulation.
The government also continues to project the reform as part of a wider governance agenda focused on legal consistency and institutional changes.
Uniform Civil Code Remains At Centre Of Political Debate
The Uniform Civil Code has emerged as one of the most debated issues in the ongoing Assembly session.
Supporters of the Bill argue that a common civil framework can reduce differences in personal laws and strengthen legal equality. They believe such reforms can support uniform standards in civil matters across communities.
At the same time, opposition leaders and critics have raised concerns regarding implementation and the broader implications of the proposed legislation.
Some opposition voices argued that the proposed framework could affect personal choices and private life. Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi criticised aspects of the proposal and alleged that certain provisions could increase state involvement in private matters.
Political parties opposing the Bill have also sought greater consultation and debate before moving ahead with implementation.
Assam Moves Ahead With UCC Push
The Assam government tabled the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly and aims to become one of the states implementing a common civil law framework after Independence. The proposed Bill includes provisions connected to marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, and registration requirements in certain civil matters.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also defended the legislation and stated that the proposal seeks to strengthen protection and justice, particularly for women from minority communities.
The Assembly debate reflects the broader national conversation around the Uniform Civil Code and differing views regarding legal reform, equality, and implementation.
As discussions continue inside the Assam Assembly, the proposed legislation is expected to remain one of the central political issues shaping the state’s policy debate in the coming days.