Assam Govt to Introduce Bill for Mandatory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces

Assam's state assembly will deliberate on a new bill to mandate government registration of marriage and divorce within the Muslim community. This initiative, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to eradicate child marriage and ensure security clearance for educational institutions in the region.

In a significant move, the Assam government is set to present a bill mandating government registration of marriages and divorces within the Muslim community during the upcoming state assembly session starting August 22. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision, which was approved during a cabinet meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati.

Chief Minister Sarma elaborated on the bill's provisions during a press conference, stating that the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages Divorces Bill, 2024, will replace the current system overseen by Kazis. Under the new bill, only the Sub Registrar of the Assam government will have the authority to register marriages, with a strict no-tolerance policy for marriages involving individuals under 18. Sarma emphasized that the bill aims to combat child marriage.

Additionally, CM Sarma announced that a 5-km radius around heritage structures, such as ancient Mandirs or Namghars at least 250 years old, will be declared protected areas, limiting land transactions to families residing there for three generations. He also mentioned a forthcoming law requiring security clearance for new universities to ensure only reputable institutions are allowed to set up in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)