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North East News Updated Jun 12, 2026

Assam Budget Session Set for July 6 After UCC Bill Passed

The budget session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly will commence on July 6, as per the Governor's order under Article 174 of the Constitution. The session was preceded by the passage of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on May 27, which bans polygamy and mandates registration of marriages and live-in relationships. Assam becomes the third BJP-ruled state to pass such legislation, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The UCC Bill was introduced by Cabinet Minister Atul Bora on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Budget Session of 16th Assam Legislative Assembly to begin on July 6

Guwahati, June 12

The budget session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly will begin from July 6, according to an official notification from the Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

It stated that the Assam Governor, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, passed the order under Clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution, which allows the Governor to summon the House.

The notification stated that the budget session will begin at 9:30 A.M. on July 6 at the Assembly Chamber in Dispur.

Earlier, the Assam Assembly on May 27 passed a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after a marathon debate between the BJP-led NDA and the opposition parties. The bill seeks to establish a single civil legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships irrespective of religion.

With this, Assam has become the first state in the Northeast and the third Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state in the country to pass such legislation, after Uttarakhand and Gujarat. Though Goa also has common civil law since the Portuguese colonial rule.

The bill prohibits polygamy, while setting a standardised legal age of 21 years for grooms and 18 years for brides. It proposes mandatory registration of marriages and live-in relationships, while setting defined timelines and penalties for non-compliance.

"The legislation safeguards cultural diversity by granting full freedom of ritual, allowing marriages to be solemnised through any existing religious ceremony or custom, including Vedic Bibah, Ahom Chaklong, Saptapadi, Ashirvad, Nikah, Holy Union, Anand Karaj," an official statement read.

The UCC Bill was introduced on May 25 in the state assembly, proposing a ban on polygamy and making registration of live-in relationships compulsory. State Cabinet Minister Atul Bora introduced the Uniform Civil Code Assam Bill 2026 in the Assembly on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The BJP had promised to bring in the UCC in Assam in its manifesto ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The state Cabinet had approved the Bill in its first meeting held on the 13th of this month.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

I support the idea of a UCC in principle, but this rushed passage during a budget session feels undemocratic. The bill was introduced only on May 25 and passed on May 27 - that's just two days of debate! We need more consultation, especially with minority communities. 😕

Vikram M

The UCC will bring much-needed uniformity in personal laws. But I'm concerned about the mandatory registration of live-in relationships - that could lead to harassment of couples. Also, what about tribal communities in Assam? Their customary laws need protection.

Sarah B

Great to see progress in Assam! As someone from outside India, it's interesting how states like Uttarakhand and Assam are leading on UCC while national debate continues. The 21/18 age rule for marriage is a positive step for women's empowerment. 👏

Rohit P

Will this UCC really protect cultural diversity as claimed? The bill says it allows religious rituals like Nikah and Anand Karaj, but the mandatory registration might still clash with personal laws. The devil is in the details, yaar. Need to see the full implementation.

Michael C

Interesting timing - budget session starting July 6, but UCC already passed in May. Is the government using budget sessions for non-financial legislation? In the US, that would be unusual, but I understand it's common in Indian state assemblies to mix agendas.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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