Guwahati, 24th February: Lurinjyoti Gogoi, leader of the All Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), strongly criticized the Assam government’s decision to repeal the Prohibition of Marriage Registration Act, 2012, commonly known as the Muslim Marriage Act. Gogoi argued that the unilateral move undermines social customs, religious beliefs, and public sentiments, potentially leading to social unrest. He emphasized the importance of seeking input from community scholars before making decisions on matters involving social customs and religious beliefs. Gogoi condemned the government’s approach, accusing it of playing politics and provoking communities instead of seeking consensus.
The decision to repeal the Muslim Marriage Act has sparked strong reactions from both the Muslim community and the Opposition. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam cabinet decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935, as announced by cabinet minister Jayanta Mallabaruah after their weekly meeting in Guwahati. Consequently, Muslim marriages and divorces will now be governed by the Special Marriages Act, with the responsibility transferred to District Commissioners or District Registrars.
Mallabaruah clarified that Muslim marriages and divorces will no longer be registered under the repealed act, and the previously operating marriage registrars will now fall under the jurisdiction of District Commissioners or district registrars. Additionally, the Assam government will provide a one-time compensation of Rs 2 lakh to each of these registrars.
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