Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam govt introduced a Bill in the assembly on first day of autumn session, seeking to replace a state ordinance that had nullified the 89-year-old Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935.
It aims to table a new “Muslim Marriage Registration Bill” soon, making it mandatory to register all Muslim marriages and divorces with govt.
Assam cabinet approved the proposed law that would remove role of qazis in marriage and divorce registrations. The 94 licenced qazis in Assam will lose their official roles once the new law takes effect. Cabinet approved a one-time aid of Rs 200,000 for their rehabilitation.
The repealing bill cites concerns about misuse of the earlier law by qazis and citizens, particularly in cases of child and forced marriages. The Bill mandates compulsory registration of marriages and divorces with the sub-registrar.
Opposition criticised BJP’s decision, calling it discriminatory and an attempt to polarise the populace for electoral gains.
Gauhati high court advocate AS Tapadar saw the move as part of a push towards implementing the uniform civil code (UCC). “In the guise of right to equality, Muslims are being forced to lose their own identity of religious practices,” he said, questioning the need for a new legislation when “there is already an anti-child marriage law in the country”.
