The Assam Cabinet removed the 1935 Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act on Friday, a move in the direction of the UCC. This means that the Special Marriages Act will now apply to all issues pertaining to Muslim marriages and divorces.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presided over a Cabinet meeting where the decision was made.
After the meeting, State Minister Jayanta Mallabarua spoke to the media and described it as a step towards reaching UCC.
“The Chief Minister recently stated that we are moving towards Uniform Civil Code. In this journey, a very important decision has been taken. The Assam Muslim Marriage & Divorce Registration Act, 1935, under which 94 Muslim registrars are still functioning, has been repealed today,” said Mallabarua.
The Minister went on to say that the District Registrar and District Commissioner will henceforth handle the registration of Muslim divorces and marriages.
Additionally, Mallabarua declared that the 94 Muslim registrars operating under the Act will be relieved of their responsibilities in exchange for a one-time payment of Rs 2 lakh each individual.
Earlier this month, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to pass the Uniform Civil Code Bill. The Bill seeks to replace the old personal laws that govern marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships.
