Assam CM Affirms His Government’s Commitment To Implement Uniform Civil Code Through ‘Front Door’

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 26 declared in the Assembly that his government would introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) through the “front door”, clarifying that the UCC would not interfere with traditional practices and rituals.

Assam Assembly Passes Assam Healing (Prevention Of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024

During a discussion on the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, the Chief Minister emphasized that the UCC aims to regulate practices carried out with malicious intent, such as underage marriage, polygamy, inheritance laws and registration of live-in relationships.

Addressing concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia about the proposed legislation being a backdoor tactic for implementing the UCC, CM Sarma asserted that the government would bring the UCC through the “front door”.

The Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, ultimately passed by a voice vote, aims to eliminate non-scientific healing practices, making “magical healing” by individuals with malicious intent a cognizable and non-bailable offense punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.