Assam soon to have a new Muslim Marriage law : Chief Minister Sarma

Marriage laws will have equality across religions

Chief Minister Sarma

Guwahati (Assam) – “The Council of Ministers of Assam has approved abolishing the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules 1935. The Cabinet has also directed that suitable legislation be brought for the registration of Muslim marriages in Assam, to be considered by the next assembly session. This will bring uniformity in marriage and divorce laws in the State,” stated Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He added that this decision will also help control the child-marriages in the State.

CM Sarma, on 18thJuly after the meeting, said that, “Special laws will be made to prevent child marriages. The present law allows the Muslim girls to be married before the age of 18 and before the age of 21 for Muslim boys.”

In February 2023, the Assam Government approved abolishing the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act 1935. The opposition has rebutted this and said it is discriminatory against the Muslims.

Editorial Perspective

A nationwide Uniform Civil Code should be implemented instead of trying to bring State- wise uniformity in the personal laws of the citizens.