Assam Introduces Bill for Mandatory Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Amid Opposition Walkout

Guwahati: The Assam government introduced the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, in the state assembly, which mandates the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces. The bill faced immediate opposition, with Congress members staging a walkout. The assembly is scheduled to discuss the bill on Thursday, despite concerns from the Opposition that the existing 1935 law on the same issues must first be repealed.

Bill Aims to Prevent Child Marriages

The bill’s “statement of object and reason” stated that it has been proposed for prevention of child marriages and marriages without consent of both parties.

It will help check polygamy, enable married women to claim their right to live in their matrimonial house, maintenance, as well as allow widows to enable widows to claim inheritance rights and other benefits.

Objection by Opposition

Congress MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar questioned whether the government had consulted with community organisations and leaders before introducing the bill, stating, "We are not opposed to the bill. But, has the government discussed the matter with organisations and leaders of the community before bringing it? For a new bill to come, someone should raise a demand. In this case, the bill is being brought on the basis of a cabinet meeting decision."

AIUDF legislator Aminul Islam raised concerns that the introduction of the new bill was invalid as an existing bill on the same issue had not yet been repealed.

Speaker Biswajit Daimary instructed the opposition to present their concerns during a future discussion on the bill, allowing its introduction in the House.