Breaking News: Assam Govt’s Bold New Bill Mandates Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces – A Historic Step Towards Equality and Justice
Assam Legislative Assembly Passes Landmark Bill for Mandatory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces
Guwahati: The Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024. This new legislation mandates the compulsory registration of all marriages and divorces within the Muslim community in the state.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the occasion "historic," emphasizing that the Act enforces the legal marriage age of 18 for girls and 21 for boys. Sarma posited that the legislation would act as a deterrent against teenage pregnancies and foster better socio-economic growth for girls in Assam.
Key objectives of the bill include preventing child marriages, ensuring non-consensual marriages are checked, limiting polygamy, and allowing married women to claim rights to maintenance and residence. Additionally, it aims to enable widows to claim inheritance rights, discourage men from deserting their wives, and fortify the institution of marriage.
A significant reform introduced by this bill is the elimination of the Qazi system, where clergy register marriages. Under the new law, marriages must be registered with the government. The legislation stipulates the minimum marriageable age needed for registration.
When a marriage is solemnized or intended to be solemnized, parties must notify the district’s Marriage and Divorce Registrar. Any person may object to the marriage within 30 days of this notice. Upon receiving an objection, the Registrar will investigate and make a decision. Unhappy parties may appeal first to the District Registrar and then to the Registrar General of Marriage. The Registrar is empowered to refuse registration, provided written reasons are given.
This legislation marks a significant step forward in addressing issues such as child marriage, women’s rights, and strengthening marriage within the Muslim community in Assam, aligning with broader social and legal reforms.
— Breaking News, Assam News
Original Story https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assam-govt-passes-bill-to-mandate-registration-of-marriages-and-divorces-of-muslims
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