Assam Assembly passes a bill to regulate Muslim marriages and divorces.
In a step towards a uniform civil code, the Assam Assembly passed a bill repealing the British-era Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the aim was not just to end child marriages but also to move away from clerics registering Muslim unions under the ‘qazi’ system. Registration will now be with the government.
The new Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024 prohibits underage marriages and ensures all unions are registered. It seeks to prevent non-consent, polygamy and protect women’s rights.
Revenue Minister Jogen Mohan said the existing law had loopholes like lack of mandatory registration leading to non-compliance and disputes. The new legislation aims to fix these issues.
The opposition called it discriminatory against Muslims and an attempt at polarization. However, the government maintains it will establish a uniform, regulated system and curb the social evil of child marriages.
The move comes as Sarma has repeatedly advocated a uniform code and highlighted Assam’s changing demographics, asserting population shifts can’t be seen as merely political. The BJP leader has suggested reviewing minority status on district levels.
