The Assam government made a significant move on Thursday, August 22, 2024, by introducing a Bill to repeal an 89-year-old law on the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces. The decision was made to address concerns about the potential misuse of the law, particularly in allowing child marriages to take place. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan tabled The Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, in the 126-member House, seeking to abolish The Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935. This action came a day after the State Cabinet approved the draft law regulating the registration of Muslim marriages, along with two other bills aimed at protecting heritage sites and tribal lands.
The British-era Act, introduced in the erstwhile province of Assam, was intended for Muslim religious and social engagements. However, Mr. Mohan highlighted that there were loopholes in the implementation of the law, particularly in monitoring the registration of marriages and addressing litigations that arise. He pointed out that there was a risk of underage marriages and forced arrangements taking place without the consent of the parties involved. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also emphasized that the new law would not impact the conduct of Muslim marriages and divorces but would focus on the registration of marriages and divorces by government officials to prevent the registration of marriages involving minors.
In addition to the repeal of the outdated marriage registration law, the Assam government also introduced a Bill to waive job application fees for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates in the State. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika tabled the Assam Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the House on behalf of the Chief Minister. This move aims to address financial implications by waiving fees for SC and ST candidates, who currently pay half of the application fees compared to their general category counterparts.
The autumn session of the Assembly saw the entire Opposition staging a walkout after Speaker Biswajit Daimary rejected calls for adjournment motions to discuss various issues, including high power bills due to smart meters, assault cases leading to communal tension, and restrictions on land sale-purchase between religious communities. Congress leader Debabrata Saikia raised concerns about consumers struggling with high bills generated by smart meters, while All India United Democratic Front MLA, Md. Aminul Islam, emphasized the constitutional right of people to acquire property regardless of religion. Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the State, citing incidents like the assault of a minor and the planting of bombs by outlawed groups.
Overall, the recent legislative actions taken by the Assam government reflect a commitment to addressing key issues related to marriage registration, job application fees, and social concerns within the State. These developments mark important steps towards ensuring the welfare and protection of all citizens, regardless of their background or community affiliation.