Himanta Biswa Sarma Blames Congress for Delay in Implementing Uniform Civil Code

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has blamed the Congress for the delay in implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), accusing the party of failing to take the issue forward during its years in power.

Sarma's remarks have once again brought the politically sensitive issue of a common civil code into the spotlight. The UCC has remained a major subject of debate in Indian politics, particularly over whether personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and related matters should be brought under a common framework.

The BJP has historically supported the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, while Opposition parties and several community organisations have raised concerns over its possible impact on religious and cultural practices.

Sarma targets Congress

Sarma argued that the Congress had opportunities in the past to address the issue but did not implement a uniform civil framework.

His comments reflect the BJP's longstanding criticism of the Congress on the UCC and broader questions surrounding personal laws.

The debate over the UCC is closely linked to Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which directs the state to endeavour to secure a uniform civil code for citizens throughout the country.

However, Article 44 is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy and is not directly enforceable by courts.

What is the Uniform Civil Code?

The Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of civil laws that would apply to citizens irrespective of their religion.

Currently, several personal matters are governed by different legal frameworks and personal laws applicable to different religious communities.

Supporters of the UCC argue that a common civil framework would promote equality before the law and gender justice and reduce differences in personal laws.

Opponents have argued that personal laws are closely connected to religious and cultural identity and that any reform must respect India's constitutional protections for religious freedom and diversity.

Political debate continues

The UCC has become an important political issue for the BJP and its supporters. The party has repeatedly advocated for its implementation, while Opposition parties have questioned the manner and scope of proposed reforms.

The issue gained additional attention after Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to implement a Uniform Civil Code in 2025.

Other states have also examined the possibility of introducing similar legislation, although the approaches and timelines vary.

Sarma's comments are particularly significant because Assam has previously witnessed discussions around reforms related to personal laws and marriage practices.

The Assam government has also taken positions on issues that it says are connected to social reform and gender equality.

Centre's role

Implementing a nationwide UCC would require a comprehensive legal framework and careful consideration of existing personal laws.

The Centre would need to balance the objective of uniformity with constitutional guarantees covering religious freedom, equality and cultural diversity.

The subject is therefore likely to remain a major point of political discussion as parties debate the future of personal laws in India.

For the Congress, Sarma's accusation represents another political challenge on an issue where the BJP has sought to portray itself as the stronger advocate for legal uniformity.

For the BJP, the UCC remains part of its broader political agenda focused on what it describes as equality and uniform application of civil laws.

Sarma's latest remarks have once again intensified the debate, with the Congress's past record and the future of the UCC likely to remain subjects of political contestation.