The Indian state of Assam has recently introduced a bill that would require Muslims to register their marriages and divorces, a move that has sparked controversy and debate. The chief minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, claims that the measure is aimed at stopping child marriages, a prevalent issue in the region. The bill, known as the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, is set to be tabled in the state assembly.
In India, personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance are governed by varying rules based on the traditions of different communities and faiths. While the country has a common criminal law, matters of personal law are often determined by religious customs. In Assam, it is already mandatory for marriages of other religions to be registered with civil authorities.
The state government of Assam, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has stated that the bill is not intended to restrict religious rituals but rather to ensure that marriages and divorces are properly registered. Sarma emphasized that the bill would provide safeguards and benefits, especially for women, and help prevent the practice of child marriages.
Prime Minister Modi has expressed his support for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that would standardize laws for personal matters across different faiths and religious communities. However, many communities, particularly Muslims, have raised concerns that a UCC could infringe upon their religious laws. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has strongly opposed the idea of a uniform civil code, stating that it is not in line with Islamic law.
The debate over the Assam bill and the broader issue of a Uniform Civil Code highlights the complex relationship between religion, tradition, and law in India. While the government argues that such measures are necessary to protect the rights of women and prevent harmful practices like child marriage, critics argue that they could undermine the autonomy of religious communities. As the bill moves forward in the state assembly, it is likely to continue to generate heated discussions and disagreements among lawmakers, religious leaders, and the public.