Guwahati, May 27 (IANS) Senior BJP MLA and former Assam minister Pijush Hazarika on Wednesday strongly defended the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state Assembly, asserting that laws permitting polygamy were contrary to the principles of equality and justice and should be abolished.

Participating in the discussion on the UCC Bill during the fourth day of the ongoing Assembly session, Hazarika questioned the continuation of separate marriage laws for different religious communities, particularly Muslims.

“Why should there be different marriage laws for Muslims?” the MLA asked while advocating the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in Assam. Referring to the practice of polygamy, Hazarika argued that a man marrying multiple women without the consent of his existing wives should face strict legal action.

“If a man marries a second woman without the consent of the first wife, then marries a third woman without the consent of the second wife, and later a fourth woman without the approval of the earlier wives, what should happen? He should be directly sent to jail,” he said in the House.

The legislator maintained that laws based on equality should apply uniformly across all sections of society and stressed that the state required legal safeguards to prevent polygamy. “Standing in this respected House, we must clearly state that laws promoting equality are the correct laws,” Hazarika said.

Rejecting allegations that the proposed UCC targeted any specific religion, the MLA said the legislation dealt solely with civil matters and not religious beliefs or rituals. “Who is spreading this narrative that the Uniform Civil Code is against religion?” he asked. “The UCC is not an attack on any religion, nor does it seek to interfere with religious practices or customs.”

Hazarika said the Bill primarily addressed issues related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, property rights and polygamy. “That is the core objective of this Bill,” he added.

The BJP-led Assam government, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has maintained that the legislation is aimed at ensuring equality and social justice. However, opposition parties and several organisations have expressed concerns regarding certain exemptions and provisions included in the draft Bill.

–IANS

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