What Does Assam's Uniform Civil Code Bill Say About Live-In Relationships?

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 16:09 IST

Assam's UCC bill proposes a framework to prohibit polygamy, mandate registration of live-in relationships and bring in uniform rules governing marriage, divorce and succession.

The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government on Monday introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which provided a legal framework for live-in relationships for the first time. The bill stipulated that the rights of partners and any children born from such unions should be formally recognised and protected.

In Part Three of the UCC Bill introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Atul Bora today, the government said registration of live-in relationships would be mandatory. It also seeks to make registration of marriages and divorces compulsory in order to secure maintenance, inheritance and other legal protections for spouses.

The opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress, opposed the move and demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

Assam UCC On Live-In Relationships

One of the most significant provisions of the Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced by the Assam government is making the registration of live-in relationships mandatory. Live-in couples have been instructed to submit a statement of the relationship to the Sub-Registrar within whose jurisdiction they are living.

Recognition and Registration: The proposed UCC Bill recognises live-in relationships, although they are subject to strict legal regulation and mandatory registration requirements.

Mandatory Registration: Registration of live-in relationships has been made compulsory under the proposed law. Couples who don’t register such a relationship after one month could be subject to three months in prison or a Rs 10,000 fine.

Police and Administrative Oversight: The Sub-Registrar has been instructed to maintain official records of such relationships. Information relating to registered live-in couples may be communicated to the local police station for official purposes.

Conditions For Valid Relationship: The Bill specifically prohibits couples where at least one of them is married from entering a live-in relationship. Other prohibitions include the involvement of a minor or consent through force or coercion.

Age-Related Concerns: If any of the partners are below the age of 21, parents or guardians of both parties shall be informed before entering a live-in relationship.

Rights Of Children: Any child born out of a live-in relationship shall be considered legitimate. Such children shall be entitled to legal recognition and protection under the law.

Separation and Maintenance: Partners may separate by mutual consent. In cases where separation is disputed or not mutually agreed upon, the female partner can approach the court for claim maintenance and other legal remedies.

Earlier Provisions On Live-In Relationships

In March, the Gujarat Assembly cleared a bill on the UCC, proposing a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships irrespective of religion. It also provided for registration of live-in relationships, as well as their termination through a formal declaration, along with children born within or outside marriage.

Prior to that, Uttarakhand was the first state to pass the UCC, which also mandated registration of live-in relationships. Failure to comply can invite imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of Rs 10,000, or both.

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