In Step Towards Uniform Civil Code, Assam Repeals Muslim Marriage And Divorce Act – News18

In a major step towards the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Assam Cabinet on Friday repealed the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935.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, 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 a legislation on Uniform Civil Code.

Informing about the decision, Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the decision has 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, NDTV reported citing its sources.

“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Muslim Marriage & Divorce Registration Act, 1935, under which 94 Muslim registrars are still functioning, has been repealed today,” added Malla Barua.

The further stated that the decision will help in reducing child marriages and informed that the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces will now be taken up by the District Commissioner and the District Registrar.

The 94 Muslim registrars, who were registering marriages under the Act, will be given a one-time compensation, the minister added.

What is Uniform Civil Code?

The Uniform Civil Code, or commonly known as UCC, means one law would be applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, maintenance, etc. India has a uniform or one set of ‘criminal code’ for all its citizens but doesn’t have uniform civil law.

Earlier this month, Uttarakhand passed the legislation that governs marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships among all communities.