Guwahati, 24th February: In a significant stride towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code, the Assam Cabinet has announced the repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935. This decision consolidates all matters concerning Muslim marriages and divorces under the ambit of the Special Marriages Act, marking a shift towards a uniform legal framework irrespective of religious distinctions.
However, the move has sparked controversy, with Assam Congress MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal vehemently opposing it. Mandal has criticized the ruling BJP government, labeling them as “anti-Muslim” and accusing them of prioritizing Hindu sentiments over the rights of the Muslim community.
Expressing concerns over the decision, Mandal highlighted the government’s failure to implement a Uniform Civil Code and ban polygamy, which were promised initiatives. He perceives the repeal as a strategic move to polarize Hindu voters in favor of the BJP ahead of elections, at the expense of discriminating against Muslims.
Mandal emphasized the importance of the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act as the sole mechanism for registering Muslim marriages, citing its constitutional validity and significance in preserving personal laws. He vowed to discuss the matter with his party leaders and advocate against what he views as discriminatory actions targeting the Muslim community.
The repeal has thus reignited debates surrounding religious freedoms, legal equality, and political motivations in Assam, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in the pursuit of a Uniform Civil Code.
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