The Indian state of Assam has recently introduced a bill that would require Muslims to register their marriages and divorces, with the aim of preventing child marriages. This move is part of a larger push towards a common civil code of law in India, which has sparked controversy among Muslim activists who see it as an attack on their faith.
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, there are differences in civil laws depending on one’s religion. In Assam, it is already mandatory for other religions to register marriages with civil authorities.
The bill, known as the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, is set to be tabled in the state assembly. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the bill is aimed at stopping child marriages and ensuring that marriages and divorces are registered, providing safeguards and benefits, especially for women.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has expressed its desire to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to standardize laws for personal matters across different faiths and religious communities. While Modi argues that a UCC would promote equality and modernize society, many communities, particularly Muslims, fear that it would encroach on their religious laws.
Modi’s Hindu nationalist rhetoric has raised concerns among India’s Muslim population, which numbers over 220 million. The BJP’s push for a UCC has been met with resistance from Muslim activists who see it as a threat to their religious freedoms. Despite Modi’s calls for a secular civil code, the debate over the UCC continues to divide opinions in India.
Overall, the introduction of the bill in Assam highlights the ongoing debate over the implementation of a common civil code in India. While the government argues that it will promote equality and modernize laws, critics fear that it will infringe on religious freedoms and traditions. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved and what impact it will have on India’s diverse population.