Assam Government to Introduce Compulsory Marriage Registration Bill for Muslims

The Assam government plans to introduce the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024, in the upcoming Autumn Assembly session. The bill mandates government registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, prohibiting the registration of minor marriages by Kazis while allowing traditional rituals to continue.

The Assam government will introduce a significant bill in the upcoming Autumn Session of the Assembly, mandating the compulsory government registration of marriage and divorce among Muslim communities, stated Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Speaking at a press conference after a cabinet meeting, Sarma revealed that the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriage and Divorce Bill, 2024, will be tabled during the session starting on Thursday.

'Earlier, Muslim marriages were registered by the Kazis. However, this new bill will ensure that all community marriages will be registered with the government,' said Sarma. He also mentioned that the new bill will prevent the registration of minor marriages, which was previously possible through the Kazis. Instead, all marriages will now be registered at the Sub-Registrar's Office. Sarma emphasized that the ritual customs of Muslims during marriage ceremonies will not be affected, only the registration method will change.

(With inputs from agencies.)