The Assam Assembly has passed a landmark bill to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, and replace it with a new legislation that makes registration of Muslim marriages and divorces compulsory under the government system. The move aims to eradicate child marriages and ensure equal treatment of all citizens under the law.

The Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, was introduced by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan on August 22, citing concerns about the informal and non-mandatory nature of marriage and divorce registration under the existing act. The minister highlighted the potential for underage marriages, forced arranged marriages, and misuse by authorized licensees and citizens.

The new bill, The Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024, seeks to address these issues by requiring all marriages to be registered under the government system. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the aim is not only to abolish child marriages but also to bring Muslim marriages and divorces under the government system, eliminating the traditional Kazi system.

However, the move has been met with opposition from some parties, including the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), which claims that the bill is discriminatory against Muslims. The opposition argues that the government could have amended the existing act instead of repealing it entirely.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to protect the rights of women and children and ensure equal treatment of all citizens under the law. The bill’s passage marks a significant development in Assam’s efforts to address child marriages and promote gender equality.

The new legislation is expected to bring about a significant change in the way Muslim marriages and divorces are registered and regulated in the state. While some have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Muslim traditions and practices, others see it as a necessary step towards modernization and equal treatment under the law.