Guwahati, May 27: Members of the ruling NDA in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday defended the Uniform Civil Code Bill, asserting that the legislation is aimed at safeguarding women’s rights and does not target any religion or religious practice. The Bill, introduced earlier this week, seeks to ban polygamy and make registration of live-in relationships mandatory, while exempting Scheduled Tribes to preserve their customary laws.

During the discussion, BJP MLA Pijush Hazarika described the Bill as a historic step and urged support across communities, stressing that it was not against any faith. He argued that permitting men to marry multiple times without the consent of their wives undermines justice and equality, and said opposition to the Bill amounted to denying women equal rights. Hazarika also criticised the Congress for resisting the measure, accusing the party of disregarding constitutional principles.

AGP legislator Prithiraj Rava emphasized demographic concerns, noting that multiple marriages and children from such unions were contributing to population growth and altering the state’s demographic balance. He maintained that the UCC would benefit women and strengthen social stability.

BPF MLA Rabiram Narzary backed the Bill, emphasising that tribal laws had been excluded from its ambit. He called the legislation essential for national unity and integrity, while seeking clarity on provisions affecting divorced tribal women married to non-tribals.

The Bill proposes stringent penalties, including up to seven years’ imprisonment for bigamy or polygamy and three months in jail for failing to register a live-in relationship. NDA members reiterated that the measure reflects the government’s commitment to its promises and is designed to protect women while respecting traditional practices.