Uniform Civil Code in India: Constitutional Framework Judicial Approach and Special Reference to Assam

Abstract

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is an important constitutional objective under Article 44 of the Constitution of India. It seeks to establish common civil rules governing matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, adoption and succession, irrespective of religion. The subject involves a delicate balance between equality, gender justice, individual liberty and freedom of religion. The Supreme Court has examined these issues in several landmark decisions, including Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India, Shayara Bano v. Union of India and Jose Paulo Coutinho v. Maria Luiza Valentina Pereira. Recent legislative developments in Assam have further strengthened the contemporary relevance of the UCC debate. This article examines the constitutional framework, judicial approach, advantages and challenges of the UCC, with particular reference to Assam.