AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday strongly criticized the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam, alleging that the BJP-led state government was attempting to impose Hindu marriage traditions on the Muslim community. Speaking at an Eid Milap gathering, Owaisi questioned the governments decision to exempt tribal communities from the UCC despite them constituting nearly 12 percent of Assam’s population. He argued that if exemptions could be granted to one section of society, the rationale behind enforcing a common legal framework on others needed to be explained.

Referring to provisions related to marriage, the Hyderabad MP said personal laws governing marriage differ across religions and communities. According to him, the new legislation seeks to standardize rules that may not align with practices followed by Muslims. He claimed that certain marital relationships permitted under Islamic traditions could be restricted under the new code, raising concerns about interference in religious customs.

Owaisi also objected to provisions dealing with divorce and inheritance. He argued that such matters are closely linked to religious beliefs and practices, which are protected under Article 25 of the Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion. He questioned the inclusion of a mandatory six-month separation period before divorce, saying it alters long-established personal law practices.

The AIMIM leader further criticized the provisions governing wills and inheritance. He noted that under Islamic law, only a limited portion of an individuals property can be distributed through a will, while the remainder must pass to legal heirs according to prescribed inheritance rules. In contrast, he claimed, the UCC allows a person greater freedom in deciding how their property is distributed after death. The controversy comes days after the Assam Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, following an extensive debate between the ruling BJP-led NDA and opposition parties. The legislation aims to establish a common civil framework covering marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships regardless of religion.

With the passage of the bill, Assam has become the first state in Northeast India and the third BJP-governed state, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, to adopt a Uniform Civil Code. Goa continues to follow a common civil law system that predates independence and originated during Portuguese rule. Among its key provisions, the law bans polygamy, fixes the legal marriage age at 21 years for men and 18 years for women, and makes the registration of marriages and live-in relationships compulsory. Marriages must be registered within 60 days of the ceremony, while live-in relationships must be registered within 30 days.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AIMIM.

The legislation also prescribes penalties for failing to comply with registration requirements. Deliberate non-registration of marriages or divorces within the specified period can attract a fine of up to ₹10,000. The Assam government has maintained that the UCC is intended to create a uniform legal framework for all residents and promote equality before the law. However, critics, including Owaisi, argue that certain provisions may conflict with religious personal laws, ensuring that the debate over the legislation is likely to continue in the coming months.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AIMIM.