Guwahati, Assam – August 30, 2024:
In a significant legislative move, the Assam Assembly has passed a bill to repeal the 1935 Muslim Marriage Act, a historic step aimed at combating child marriage in the state. The bill, which garnered widespread support from lawmakers, is designed to align Assam's legal framework with contemporary child protection standards and promote gender equality.
The 1935 Muslim Marriage Act, enacted during the British colonial period, had been a relic of the past, setting outdated regulations on marriage within the Muslim community. Critics argued that the Act had been used to justify and perpetuate practices such as child marriage, which has been a persistent issue in some regions of Assam.
“This is a progressive step towards safeguarding the rights and futures of young girls,” said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. “By repealing the 1935 Muslim Marriage Act, we are taking a firm stand against child marriage and reinforcing our commitment to upholding the rights of every child in Assam.”
The bill, which was passed with overwhelming support in the Assembly, aims to modernize marriage laws and ensure that they are in line with the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1978 and other national standards. The new legislation will set the legal minimum age for marriage at 18 for women and 21 for men, in accordance with the Constitution of India and prevailing legal norms.
The decision to repeal the 1935 Muslim Marriage Act follows years of advocacy by women’s rights groups, child protection organizations, and activists who have highlighted the need for legal reforms to address the issue of child marriage. The Act's repeal is expected to strengthen efforts to prevent child marriages, which can have devastating effects on young girls' health, education, and overall well-being.
“Repealing this outdated law is a victory for all those who have fought tirelessly against child marriage,” said Rina Das, a prominent activist with the Assam Child Protection Network. “It represents a significant shift towards ensuring that every child, regardless of their community, has the opportunity to grow up free from the constraints of early marriage.”
Following the bill’s passage, the state government plans to implement comprehensive measures to support the transition and address any challenges that may arise. This includes launching awareness campaigns, providing support services for affected families, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new legal standards.
“We are committed to not just changing the law but also changing mindsets,” said Education Minister Ranoj Pegu. “Our goal is to create a supportive environment where children are protected from harmful practices and can pursue their education and personal development without hindrance.”
The repeal of the 1935 Muslim Marriage Act is part of a broader effort by the Assam government to address various social issues and improve the overall welfare of its citizens. The government has also announced plans to review and update other outdated laws and policies to better serve the needs of its diverse population.
As Assam moves forward with these reforms, the focus will be on ensuring that the new legal framework is effectively implemented and that the benefits of these changes are realized throughout the state. The repeal of the 1935 Muslim Marriage Act represents a crucial step in advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of children in Assam.