Assam Repeals 1935 Muslim Marriage Act, Emphasizes Child Marriage Prevention

In a major move, the Assam government has repealed the 1935 Muslim Marriage Act to counter child marriages. Imam Maulana Khalid Rasheed asserts that no Muslim organizations endorse child marriage and emphasized existing central laws for protection.

The Assam government has taken a decisive step by repealing the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935 through the Assam Repealing Bill 2024. This move aims to prevent child marriage and ensure uniformity in marriage and divorce registration.

Lucknow Eidgah Imam, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, stressed on Friday that no Muslim organization promotes child marriage. Speaking to ANI, Maulana Khalid stated, "No Muslim organization promotes child marriage at all." He highlighted that central laws are already in place that mandate a minimum age of 18 for women and 21 for men for marriage.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's government made the announcement in an effort to put additional safeguards against child marriage. Sarma emphasized the importance of uniform rules for marriage registrations. He also voiced concerns about changing demographics, noting a significant rise in the state's Muslim population and alleged illegal immigrants marrying tribal girls improperly.