Guwahati: In a significant move, the Assam government has repealed the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935 through the Assam Repealing Bill 2024. This decision aims to enhance justice for daughters and sisters by addressing child marriage and ensuring additional security measures.
Key Points:
- Repeal of Muslim Marriage Act and Divorce Registration Law:
- The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced the repeal of the Muslim Marriage Act and the divorce registration law.
- Previously, the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935 provided for the voluntary registration of Nikah (marriage) and divorce among Muslims.
- Notably, an amendment in 2010 replaced the term “voluntary” with “compulsory,” making registration mandatory for Muslim marriages and divorces in Assam.
- Assam Repealing Bill 2024:
- The Assam Repealing Bill 2024 will be presented for discussion during the next monsoon session of the Assembly.
- The Cabinet has also directed the formulation of a new law for the registration of Muslim marriages.
- Demographic Concerns:
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the demographic change in Assam.
- He stated that the Muslim population in the state has increased to 40 percent, up from 12 percent in 1951.
- Sarma emphasized that this issue transcends politics—it’s a matter of life and death.
- Bangladeshi Infiltrators:
- Addressing party workers, Chief Minister Sarma alleged an increase in Bangladeshi infiltrators in tribal areas of Jharkhand.
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to include a robust action plan against infiltrators in its manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections.
The Assam government’s decision reflects its commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and addressing demographic challenges. The repeal of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act marks a significant step toward ensuring justice and security for all citizens. ¹²³
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