Assam Repeals Muslim Marriage Act, Advances Towards Uniform Civil Code

In a significant legal shift, Assam's cabinet decides to repeal the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935, marking a step towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code across the state.

Assam's decision to repeal the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935 is part of a broader push for a Uniform Civil Code, aligning marriage and divorce processes with contemporary societal norms.
The repeal aims to modernize marriage and divorce registration, address child marriage issues, and ensure legal uniformity irrespective of the couple's religion.
The Assam government plans to bring all marriage and divorce matters under the Special Marriage Act, with a bill likely to be tabled in the Assam Assembly by February 28.
Critics argue the repeal could erode the cultural and religious identity of Assam's Muslim community, which constitutes 34% of the state's population.
The move has sparked debates on cultural identity, legal uniformity, and the state's capacity for effective implementation, highlighting the complexities of transitioning towards a Uniform Civil Code.