State Becomes Third To Approve Uniform Civil Code
Indian Politics
The bill was pass in the Assam assembly on Wednesday.
Assam has become the third state to approve such an essential piece of legislation.
Previously, laws pertaining to a Uniform Civil Code were approved in Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
The controversial bill was debated thoroughly by the Assam Assembly in a special session.
The Congress, TMC, and Raijor Dal insisted on a more extensive legal scrutiny of the bill.
The opposition asked that the bill be referred to a Select Committee.
Nevertheless, the BJP-led government managed to get the bill successfully passed in the Assembly.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the bill vigorously.
According to him, the bill would establish equality and certainty in law.
The bill streamlines the process of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other family laws.
The ages at which one can marry have been defined by the government.
For males, the minimum marriage age is 21 years.
Women must reach the age of 18 before getting married.
Polygamy is absolutely prohibited by law throughout all communities concerned.
Customs of religious marriage shall be practiced unrestrictedly.
The bill does not apply to any Scheduled Tribes or native groups.
The act allows for recognizing live-in relations for the first time.
Both parties must register live-in relations within a month.
Any children resulting from live-in relations gain full protection under law.
Property distribution is equally shared between Class-1 heirs under the law.
The wives, children, and parents enjoy equal inheritance rights.
The act draws its inspiration from constitutional Article 44.
Violations of the act are subject to severe punishment.
Second marriages that are conducted illegally face up to seven years imprisonment.
Unregistered live-in relations can result in legal trouble and imprisonment.
Filing of false information while registering is punishable by large fines.
Marriages and divorces performed in violation of the law are harshly penalized.
Assam’s government referred to the law as a social justice act.
According to the officials, the act safeguards people’s rights and interests.
Indian Politics
