Assam Government Moves to Repeal Pre-Independence Marriage Law

The Assam government introduced a bill to repeal a 1935 law allowing the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, citing risks of child marriage. The new bill seeks mandatory government registration to curb such practices. The decision has faced criticism from opposition parties, calling it discriminatory against Muslims.

The Assam government, in a significant legislative move, introduced a bill to repeal a colonial-era law that permitted the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, including those of minors.

Presented by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan, the Assam Repealing Bill, 2024 aims to abolish The Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935, highlighting its misuse for underage and forcefully arranged marriages.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a new bill for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, sparking criticism from opposition parties who termed it discriminatory and politically motivated.