Assam Cabinet repeals Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, here's why!

Dispur (Assam): Assam appears to be moving towards introducing Uniform Civil Code in the state as the BJP-led government on Friday has given the nod to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935 "in a bid to end child marriage".

"This Act contained provisions allowing marriage registration even if the bride and groom had not reached the legal ages of 18 and 21 respectively, as required by law. This move marks another significant step towards prohibiting child marriages in Assam," the Chief Minister posted on social media platform X (previously Twitter).

The Assam Government has announced a one-time compensation of ₹2 lakh for Muslim Marriage Registrars to support their rehabilitation following the repeal of the Act.

Earlier, Sarma stated that his government is working on a "comprehensive UCC" to be introduced in the state Assembly, following the lead of the Uttarakhand government.

Also Read: UCC Bill tabled in Uttarakhand Assembly  

While speaking to media, Assam minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said that the move is a step towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state.

History behind UCC

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has been one of the intense subjects of discussion for over a decade. But recently it took centre stage. The introduction of UCC was a key poll promise of the BJP in the run-up to the 2014 general elections and was reiterated before the 2022 Legislative Assembly elections in Uttarakhand.

What is the Uniform Civil Code?

This Uniform Civil Code (UCC) comes under Article 44 of the Indian constitution which refers to directive principles of state policy. The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) states that the state shall undertake to offer a unified set of laws to its citizens within the Indian boundaries. The Uniform Civil Code aims to establish a uniform legal framework for all citizens, regardless of their religion. 

Also Read: Uniform Civil Code: Paving the Way for Equal Rights Across India's Diverse Communities