India, May 27 -- The Assam assembly on Wednesday passed the contentious Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill by voice vote after a five-hour debate that drew sharp resistance from the Opposition that called the legislation a "political stunt".

The law provides for mandatory registration of live-in relationships, marriages and divorces including where one partner is a resident of the state, and bans polygamy.

Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said it was "a watershed moment in Assam's history".

"Passing of this law in Assam will be a big step towards gender justice. Many have questioned why STs have been kept out of UCC. We are aware, the tribals have been residing in India since long and they have their own customary laws regulating their li...