Assam Moves A Step Towards UCC, Repeals Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act Of 1935

Guwahati, February 24 (TNA) In what is being seen as a major step towards the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Assam Cabinet on Friday repealed the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935. With this development, all matters related to Muslim marriages and divorces would now fall under the Special Marriages Act.

The development came just weeks after Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to pass legislation on the Uniform Civil Code. Informing about the decision, Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the decision had been taken by the Cabinet. The bill regarding the same is likely to be tabled in the Assam Assembly, which is scheduled to be in session till February 28, media reports suggest.

“The Chief Minister recently stated that we are moving towards a Uniform Civil Code. In this journey, a critical decision has been taken. The Assam Muslim Marriage & Divorce Registration Act, 1935, under which 94 Muslim registrars are still functioning, has been repealed,” added Malla Barua.