Guwahati, May 27: Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi on May 27 criticised the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam, alleging that certain provisions in the draft legislation could lead to state intrusion into the private lives of citizens.
Speaking to reporters, Gogoi claimed that the proposed law would create mechanisms enabling authorities and bureaucratic systems to monitor personal relationships and aspects of individual lifestyles.
Referring to the provisions of the proposed legislation, Gogoi said the state was attempting to establish a structure that would allow authorities to oversee what he described as the intimate and private spheres of people’s lives.
He further alleged that such a framework could lead to excessive surveillance and moral policing. According to him, individuals should not face monitoring regarding how they live or conduct their personal affairs.
The Raijor Dal leader argued that such provisions ran contrary to constitutional principles and cited repeated observations of the Supreme Court regarding the protection of privacy rights.
He stated that judicial interpretations had consistently emphasised limits on interference in the private lives of citizens and questioned whether legislative bodies should extend regulation into personal matters.
Criticising the BJP-led Assam government, Gogoi alleged that the administration was attempting to exercise control over citizens through institutional mechanisms.
He also questioned whether the proposed framework could eventually lead to bureaucrats and law enforcement authorities becoming involved in monitoring personal relationships and lifestyles.
Describing the proposed legislation as an infringement on individual freedom, Gogoi called for the removal of provisions that he believes interfere with citizens’ private lives.
The proposed UCC in Assam continues to draw differing reactions, with the state government maintaining that it seeks to promote equality and social justice, while opposition leaders and several organisations have raised concerns over aspects of its implementation and scope.
