Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to introducing the Uniform Civil Code or UCC, aptly known as Common Civil Code or CCC, through official channels, dispelling concerns that the CCC might encroach upon traditional practices and rituals.
During a discussion on the ‘Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024’ in the Assembly, CM Himanta asserted the CCC primarily addresses issues such as preventing underage marriage, banning polygamy, defining inheritance laws, and regulating the registration of live-in relationships.
Acknowledging the recent passage of a similar bill in Uttarakhand, the CM clarified that the CCC focuses on modernising legal frameworks rather than interfering with traditional customs.
Assam aims to be the third State after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to introduce legislation on the CCC, with provisions exempting tribal communities from its application.
“We will bring the CCC and we will bring it through the front door,” CM Himanta affirmed, responding to concerns raised by Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia regarding the government’s approach to introducing the CCC.
The ‘Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024’ passed by a voice vote seeks to eliminate non-scientific healing practices and penalise those engaging in deceptive practices with imprisonment and fines.
CM Himanta addressed objections from Opposition parties regarding the repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, outlining the need to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of minors.
In response to concerns about the bill potentially disrupting traditional systems, CM Himanta highlighted existing legislation such as ‘The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954’ and assured that the government’s focus is to combat practices conducted with malicious intent while respecting cultural traditions.
The Congress and AIUDF withdrew their amendments to the bill following Himanta Sarma’s explanation, while Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi maintained objections regarding the definition of ‘evil practice.’
