Assam repeals 1935 Muslim marriage and divorce act, mandates government registration

GUWAHATI: The Assam assembly passed the Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, effectively abolishing the nearly 90-year-old Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935.

This legislative move marks a significant shift in the registration process for marriages and divorces within the Muslim community in Assam.

Under the new act, it will now be mandatory for all Muslim marriages and divorces to be registered with the government, a change from the previous practice where such registrations were overseen by Qazis, or Islamic judges.

The act also introduces two key provisions aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals within the community.

The first provision stipulates that the registration of child marriages will be considered illegal, reinforcing efforts to curb the practice in Assam.

The second provision mandates that all Muslim marriages, including those traditionally registered by Qazis, must now be formally registered with the government.

The Assam cabinet had given its approval to the bill on August 22, paving the way for its passage in the assembly.