Christian and Muslim leaders in India have raised concerns following the introduction of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the north-eastern state of Assam, warning it could affect religious freedom and cultural diversity.
The state, governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), became the third in India to adopt such legislation after Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The new law was announced on 27 May by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The UCC introduces a single set of civil laws for most residents in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Scheduled Tribes are exempt from the legislation.
Under the new framework, registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships will be compulsory. The law also bans polygamy and is intended to strengthen inheritance rights for women.
It follows earlier legislation in the state targeting polygamy and includes changes that remove previous separate legal provisions for Muslim marriage registration.
Chief Minister Sarma described the law as an important milestone, saying it would help protect women’s rights and ensure consistency in civil matters. He also said the exemption for tribal communities was intended to respect their customary traditions.
However, opposition leaders and religious representatives have criticised the move, arguing it was introduced without adequate consultation.
Political opponents claim the legislation could deepen social divisions and is being used for political purposes. Some have also argued that existing laws already address issues such as polygamy and child marriage.
Christian representatives in Assam have also expressed concern that the new system may weaken existing religious legal frameworks. They argue it could shift authority over marriage from religious institutions to state-controlled processes, raising questions about religious autonomy.
There are also concerns about the exemption given to Scheduled Tribes. Critics say this could create unequal application of the law and undermine the principle of uniformity.
Muslim community leaders have also warned against replacing diverse personal laws with a single legal system. They argue that India’s strength lies in its cultural and religious diversity, and that reforms should focus on equal rights rather than uniform legal structures.
Supporters of the UCC say it is designed to improve gender equality, ensure legal consistency, and protect vulnerable groups, particularly women.
The debate over the new law continues as different communities assess its potential impact on India’s long-standing system of religious and personal law diversity.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by UCA News.
