GUWAHATI: The Gauhati high court reportedly has issued a notice to the Assam government to provide clarification on its decision to repeal the British-era Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act.
The Gauhati high court directed the Assam government to submit an affidavit on the matter by June 22, detailing its objections to the act.
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This notice comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling mandating the Assam government to register marriages under the Special Marriage and Divorce Act.
Additionally, the Assam government has implemented stringent measures to prevent underage marriages, prohibiting individuals below 18 from registering for marriage.
An advocate from the Gauhati high court explained the situation to reporters, stating, “We sought an interim order, but due to the model code of conduct during Lok Sabha elections, the court cannot issue any orders at present. Hence, the deadline extension until June 22.”
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This development follows the Assam government’s decision on February 24 to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935.
This decision, according to the Assam government, was aimed to address the issue of underage marriages among Muslims in the state.
The legal proceedings surrounding the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act have sparked debates on religious freedoms, legal obligations, and social welfare concerns in Assam.
The legislation, enacted in 1935, laid down the legal process in line with the Muslim personal law.