Assam govt gives nod to repeal Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules 1935
Jul 18, 2024
Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 18 : By aiming to bring an end to Child marriage in the state, the Assam government on Thursday decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act, 1935.
During the state cabinet meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Guwahati under Chairmanship of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state cabinet has given approval to Assam Repealing Bill 2024 to bring parity in registration of marriage and divorce.
Assam CM Sarma wrote on X, "We have taken a significant step to ensure justice for our daughters and sisters by putting additional safeguards against child marriage. In the meeting of the Assam Cabinet today we have decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules 1935 vide the Assam Repealing Bill 2024."
The Assam Repealing Bill 2024 will be placed before the upcoming monsoon session of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
The state cabinet has also directed that a suitable legislation to be brought for registration of Muslim marriages in Assam, to be considered by the next session of assembly.
Earlier, CM Himanta reiterated his concerns regarding the issue of "changing demography," and said it is a matter of "life and death" for him.
Citing some data, Sarma said that Muslim population was 12 per cent in 1951 and has now reached 40 per cent.
"Changing demography is a big issue for me. In Assam, the Muslim population has reached 40 per cent today. In 1951, it was 12 per cent," the Assam CM said.
"We have lost many districts. This is not a political issue for me. It is a matter of life and death for me," said Sarma, explaining his government's efforts to detect illegal immigrants," he added.
