• Politics over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has intensified in Assam. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi raised questions about the state government’s proposed law, stating that it is not a ‘uniform’ civil code because tribal communities have been excluded from its scope. Owaisi posted on social media platform X, writing that under Article 29 of the Constitution, every community has the right to protect its culture and traditions.

    Owaisi asked that if this right is granted to everyone, why is special protection of autonomy being given only to tribal communities. According to him, the government is trying to implement a law that a large section of society does not want to accept. The AIMIM MP also said that the Constituent Assembly never envisioned any ‘mandatory’ Uniform Civil Code. He claims that the current proposal could impact personal laws and religious traditions.

    Owaisi Objects on Issues of Inheritance and Property

    Owaisi also raised objections on the issue of inheritance and property. He said that under Islamic law, no heir can be completely deprived of their share. According to him, a person cannot bequeath their entire property to just one son, nor can they exclude a daughter from her rights. Owaisi alleged that the proposed UCC will allow people to write wills in a way that could deprive daughters of their share. He said that calling such provisions ‘gender justice’ would not be correct.

    Owaisi Raises Questions on Assam UCC Bill

    Asaduddin Owaisi targeted the central and state governments over the proposed Uniform Civil Code in Assam. He wrote on social media platform X that this law talks about equality, but in reality, it is not being applied uniformly to all communities. Owaisi said that tribal society has been completely excluded from the UCC, while preparations are being made to apply it to others. Owaisi questioned that if under Article 29 of the Constitution every community has the right to protect its traditions and cultural identity, then why is special protection of autonomy being given only to tribal communities?

    The Law is Far from Gender Justice: Owaisi

    AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi wrote, ‘In Islam, no one can deprive any heir of inheritance. No one can write a will that gives all their property to just one son or deprives a daughter of inheritance. This UCC allows anyone to write a will and deprive their daughters of their rightful share. This law is far from gender justice.’

    What are the Provisions in the Assam UCC Bill?

    The proposed bill brought by the state government aims to implement a uniform legal system for all citizens in matters related to marriage, divorce, property division, and live-in relationships. However, Scheduled Tribes have been kept outside this scope, considering their constitutional traditions and rights. The government says the objective of this law is to replace the personal laws based on different religions with a common civil code, so that women and men in every community get equal rights, justice is ensured, and uniformity is brought in legal processes.

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    Assam

    Assam is a state in northeastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage, lush tea gardens, and the mighty Brahmaputra River. Historically, it was the seat of the powerful Ahom Kingdom, which ruled for nearly 600 years until the British annexation in the 19th century. Today, Assam is famous for its wildlife sanctuaries, such as Kaziranga National Park, and its vibrant festivals like Bihu.
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    Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

    The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed legal framework in India aimed at replacing personal laws based on religious customs with a common set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens. Its roots trace back to the colonial era, with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution (1950) directing the state to endeavor to secure a UCC, though it has remained a politically and socially contentious issue due to India’s religious diversity. Despite periodic debates and judicial endorsements, such as in the Shah Bano case (1985), the UCC has not been fully implemented, with recent efforts by some states like Uttarakhand (2024) to enact their own versions.

    Assam

    Assam is a state in northeastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage and biodiversity, including the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. Historically, it was the seat of the powerful Ahom Kingdom, which ruled for nearly 600 years until the British annexation in the 19th century. Today, Assam is famous for its tea plantations, silk production, and the vibrant Brahmaputra River that shapes its landscape and culture.

    Constituent Assembly

    The Constituent Assembly is a historic building in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, originally constructed in the 19th century as a residence for a Russian governor. It later became the site where the short-lived Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic declared its independence in 1918. Today, it serves as a museum and cultural landmark, symbolizing a pivotal moment in Central Asian political history.

    Islamic law

    Islamic law, known as Sharia, is a comprehensive legal and moral framework derived from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Its development began in the 7th century CE, evolving over centuries through scholarly interpretation (ijtihad) and the establishment of major schools of jurisprudence. Today, it governs both personal and public life for many Muslims, influencing areas such as worship, family relations, and criminal justice.

    Ahom Kingdom

    The Ahom Kingdom was a powerful and long-lasting medieval state in present-day Assam, India, founded by the Tai-Ahom leader Sukaphaa in 1228. Known for its sophisticated administrative systems and resilience, it successfully resisted Mughal expansion for centuries, notably through guerrilla warfare. The kingdom maintained its independence until its annexation by the British East India Company in 1826, following the Treaty of Yandabo.

    Brahmaputra River

    The Brahmaputra River is a major trans-boundary river in Asia, flowing through China, India, and Bangladesh. Originating in the Tibetan Himalayas, it is a sacred river in Hinduism and has shaped the fertile Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, India, for centuries. Its history includes serving as a vital trade route and being central to the region’s agriculture and cultural identity.

    Kaziranga National Park

    Kaziranga National Park, located in the Indian state of Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for housing two-thirds of the world’s population of the great one-horned rhinoceros. Established as a reserve forest in 1908 to protect the rhino population from poaching, it was later designated a national park in 1974. The park’s diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, and forests also supports significant populations of tigers, elephants, and wild water buffalo.

    Bihu

    Bihu is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. Its history dates back to ancient agrarian traditions, with the festival encompassing three distinct phases: Rongali Bihu in April, Kongali Bihu in October, and Bhogali Bihu in January. The celebration features traditional folk dances, songs, feasts, and rituals that honor the region’s agricultural cycles and cultural heritage.