Assam Assembly Enacts Law For Mandatory Muslim Marriage And Divorce Registration

The Assam Assembly has recently passed a significant piece of legislation aimed at streamlining the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces. The Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, introduced by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan, mandates that all new Muslim marriages and divorces be registered with the government. This bill, passed on Thursday, reflects a broader move towards formalizing personal status laws in the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that this new legislation will not affect previously registered marriages conducted by Kazis, acknowledging the validity of such historical registrations. The bill stipulates that only new marriages will fall under its scope, ensuring that existing Islamic rituals and laws are respected. However, marriages deemed prohibited under Islamic law will not be registered under this new framework.

The primary objectives of this bill include combating child marriages and ensuring that marriages are conducted with the full consent of both parties involved. Additionally, it aims to address issues related to polygamy and provide legal avenues for women to claim their rights within the matrimonial home, such as maintenance and inheritance. By formalizing these aspects, the bill seeks to enhance the legal standing of married women and widows, ensuring they can secure their entitlements and benefits post their husband’s demise.

In the past, Muslim marriages in Assam were overseen and registered by Kazis, but this new legislation transitions the responsibility to government authorities. This move is intended to strengthen the institution of marriage and prevent scenarios where men might abandon their wives without recourse. The bill represents a significant shift towards increasing transparency and accountability in personal status matters within the Muslim community in Assam.