In a significant step towards bringing in the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, the Assam [Muslim] Marriages and Divorces Act, 1935, was repealed in a late-night development. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
All matters related to Muslim marriages and divorces in Assam would now fall under the Special Marriages Act.
The development comes just weeks after Uttarakhand became the first state in India to pass a legislation on UCC.
A little after midnight, Sarma took to X to term the move “another significant step towards prohibiting child marriages in Assam”.
On 23.22024, the Assam cabinet made a significant decision to repeal the age-old Assam Muslim Marriages & Divorces Registration Act. This act contained provisions allowing marriage registration even if the bride and groom had not reached the legal ages of 18 and 21, as required…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 23, 2024
After the cabinet meeting, State Minister Jayanta Malla Barua had termed the decision a step towards achieving UCC.
"The chief minister recently stated that we are moving towards Uniform Civil Code. In this journey, a very important decision has been taken. The Assam Muslim Marriages & Divorces Registration Act, 1935, under which 94 Muslim registrars are still functioning, has been repealed today,” he said.
The registration of Muslim marriages and divorces will now be taken up by the District Commissioner and the District Registrar, Barua said.
He also added that the 94 Muslim registrars, who were functioning under the Act, would be discharged from their duties and be given Rs 2 lakh each as one-time compensation.
According to the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 34 per cent of Assam’s population of 3.12 crore.
