India's Assam tables Uniform Civil Code bill in state assembly
The government of India's Assam state has tabled a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in the state assembly. The move revives a sensitive debate over religion-based personal laws.
The government of Assam, in northeastern India, has tabled a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in the state assembly. A uniform civil code aims to replace religion-based personal laws, which vary by community in areas such as marriage, divorce and inheritance, with a common set of rules.
The issue is a long-debated and sensitive topic in India. Supporters argue such a code would deliver legal equality and standardisation, while critics voice concern that it could affect the existing personal-law practices of minority communities. These views are attributed to the respective parties.
The bill must be debated and voted on in the assembly before it can become law. Similar steps have previously been raised in other states. The scope of the bill and how it would be implemented will be watched closely in the period ahead.
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