In Assam state, Indian authorities have introduced a bill that would require Muslims to register their marriages and divorces. The chief minister claims that this measure will help stop child marriage, a prevalent issue in the region. The bill is seen as a state-level step towards the government’s proposed common civil code of law, which Muslim activists vehemently oppose as an attack on their faith.
India, with its 1.4 billion people, is subject to a common criminal law. However, personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance are governed by varying rules based on the traditions of different communities and faiths. In Assam, it is already mandatory for other religions to register marriages with civil authorities. The state government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stated that the bill would be tabled during the next state assembly.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the primary intention behind the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill is to prevent child marriages. He assured that the bill would not restrict religious rituals but rather ensure that marriages and divorces are properly registered. Sarma believes that the bill will provide safeguards and benefits, especially to women, and help prevent the menace of child marriages.
Prime Minister Modi has expressed his desire to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to standardize laws for personal matters across different faiths and religious communities. However, many communities, particularly Muslims, fear that a UCC would encroach on their religious laws. Modi argues that a UCC would serve as an equalizer, eliminating laws that divide the country on the basis of religion and promoting equality in society.
Despite winning a third successive term in office in June, Modi was forced into a coalition government for the first time in a decade. The BJP’s Hindu nationalist rhetoric has left India’s Muslim population, which exceeds 220 million, increasingly anxious about their future. The ongoing debate surrounding the implementation of a common civil code reflects the complex interplay between religious beliefs, legal frameworks, and societal norms in India.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill highlights the government’s efforts to address social issues such as child marriage. While the proposed common civil code aims to standardize laws across different faiths, it has sparked concerns among Muslim communities. As India navigates these complex legal and religious dynamics, it is essential to strike a balance between promoting social welfare and respecting religious diversity.