AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the BJP-led Assam government’s decision to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, stating that it distances the Muslim community from their religious rights. He highlighted that the special marriage act lacks provisions for ‘nikah,’ denying the community their religious freedom.
Owaisi Criticizes Assam Government
Owaisi expressed concern over the removal of the system where marriages were registered through ‘qazi’ or marriage registrars, emphasizing the importance of preserving religious rights and practices. In response, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed to eradicate child marriages in Assam, asserting that he would not allow such practices as long as he is alive.
Sarma emphasized the government’s commitment to combating child marriage, noting that several individuals have been arrested, with some receiving lengthy prison sentences. He pledged to intensify efforts against child marriage through a campaign after the upcoming Lok Sabha election, aiming to completely eradicate the issue before 2026.
Furthermore, the Assam state assembly passed the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, aiming to curb non-scientific healing practices conducted with malicious intent. The bill makes ‘magical healing’ a cognizable and non-bailable offense, carrying imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. Additionally, Chief Minister Sarma announced plans to introduce the Uniform Civil Code, focusing on preventing underage marriage, banning polygamy, regulating inheritance laws, and registering live-in relationships.
He clarified that the UCC does not interfere with traditional rituals or practices but aims to ensure legal uniformity in civil matters.
