Assam: Repealing Muslim Marriage Act politically motivated, says AIUDF

Guwahati: After the Assam cabinet repealed the Assam Muslim Marriage & Divorce Registration Act, 1935, on Friday, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) stated that the move was a politically motivated one.

AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam expressed reservations, stating that the government "doesn't have the courage to bring UCC" and lacks the authority to "repeal or amend a constitutional right."

He further claimed the move is politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.The repealed Act governed the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces in the state.

Minister Jayanta Mallabarua explained that under the new system, all such matters will be handled by the Special Marriages Act.

Additionally, the responsibility for registration will shift to District Commissioners and District Registrars.

The government also announced a one-time compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the 94 Muslim registrars who will be discharged from their duties due to the Act's repeal.

While the government views this as a step towards UCC and against child marriage, the AIUDF has raised concerns about the legality and motivations behind the decision.