The Assam government has introduced a bill to abolish the Muslim Marriages and Divorce Act, aiming to replace it with a new legislation that aligns with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The proposed bill seeks to establish a uniform law for all citizens, regardless of their religion, governing marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
The existing Act, enacted in 1937, governs Muslim marriages, divorce, and related matters in the state. However, the government argues that it has become outdated and inconsistent with modern principles of gender equality and social justice.
The new bill proposes to introduce significant changes, including the appointment of a marriage officer to solemnize and register marriages, and the establishment of a family court to handle disputes related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
The government’s move has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the reform and others expressing concerns about the potential impact on Muslim personal law and the community’s rights.
The bill’s introduction is seen as a significant step towards implementing the UCC, a long-standing demand of various groups and a commitment made by the ruling party in its election manifesto. However, its passage is expected to be closely watched, given the sensitive nature of the issue and potential opposition from various quarters.