Assam Moves Towards Uniform Civil Code: Repeals Muslim Marriage Act

Less than three weeks after legislation on a Uniform Civil Code was passed in Uttarakhand, Assam has initiated steps towards a similar law by deciding to repeal the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act.

The announcement was made on Friday by Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, stating that the cabinet has taken the decision.

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Assam Moves Towards Uniform Civil Code, Here's Why

It is anticipated that a bill will be presented in the Assam Assembly, which is scheduled to be in session until February 28. Highlighting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's repeated statements regarding Assam's plans for legislation on a Uniform Civil Code, Mr. Baruah stated, "A very important decision has been taken in line with that. The Assam Muslim Marriage & Divorce Registration Act, 1935, will be repealed and no Muslim marriage or divorce will be registered under the Act. We want all such matters to be under the Special Marriage Act," as reported by NDTV.

The decision, aimed at reducing child marriages, will also entail providing a one-time compensation to 94 Muslim registrars who were registering marriages under the Act. A Uniform Civil Code entails a common set of laws applicable to all Indian citizens, not based on religion, addressing matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, as per media reports.

On February 12, Chief Minister Sarma stated, "The Assam cabinet has discussed both the anti-polygamy and UCC bills. We were working on the anti-polygamy bill while Uttarakhand passed the UCC. An expert committee is working on aligning the two aspects so we can bring a more robust legislation." Further, he added, "Now the country needs a uniform policy. We have to align our bills, so we will have a round of discussion with our central leaders as well. These are long-time reforms," he had added.