Guwahati, 29th August: The Assam Assembly on August 29 passed a bill to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan introduced The Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, along with the Assam Repealing Ordinance, 2024, to abolish the outdated law.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained that the repeal aims to address issues related to child marriages and the Kazi system, shifting the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces to a government-controlled system. Sarma emphasized that, according to a Supreme Court order, all marriages should be registered under the state’s purview rather than by private bodies like Kazis.
Mohan criticized the old law for allowing marriage registrations for individuals under 21 years (males) and 18 years (females), citing its lack of enforcement provisions and its role in fostering litigation. He also raised concerns about potential misuse of the registration process for underage and forced marriages.
In response, the Assam government introduced The Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024, which aims to formalize and regulate the registration process. The Cabinet approved the repeal last month, ending the provision that allowed underage marriages under certain conditions.
Opposition members have condemned the move as discriminatory and an attempt to polarize voters ahead of the elections.
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