In a significant decision, the Assam Cabinet has scuttled the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935 to curb child marriages.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the Act as outdated and emphasized that this move represents a substantial progress in curbing child marriages in Assam.
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“The Assam Cabinet, on February 23, decided to repeal the antiquated Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act. This legislation permitted marriage registration even if the individuals hadn’t attained the legal ages of 18 and 21, as mandated by law. This decision underscores our commitment to eradicating child marriages in Assam,” stated the Chief Minister.
In the wake of repealing the law, the state government announced that District Commissioners and District Registrars would be empowered to take possession of registration records currently held by 94 Muslim Marriage Registrars, under the oversight of the Inspector General of Registration.
With Muslims constituting 34% of Assam’s population according to the 2011 Census, totaling 1.06 crore individuals out of a total population of 3.12 crore, this move holds significant implications.
The government has also pledged a one-time compensation of Rs 2 lakh for Muslim Marriage Registrars to aid in their rehabilitation following the repeal of the Act.
