Assam Cabinet approves Rules for compulsory Muslim marriage registration

The Assam Cabinet on Thursday (September 24, 2026) approved a rule that makes registration of Muslim marriages compulsory in the State.

The Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026, operationalise the registration framework under the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024, which replaced a piece of legislation enacted in 1935

The colonial-era Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act had provided for voluntary registration, although a 2010 amendment made registration compulsory.

The 2024 legislation followed the Assam government’s decision to repeal the 1935 law. It argued that the old framework was outdated and could allow registration of marriages involving minors. According to the new law, the woman must be at least 18 years old and the man 21 years old at the time of marriage.

The 2024 Act also shifted the registration process from licensed Muslim registrars or qazis to government registration officials.

The framework makes marriage registration a formal State process. Under the 2024 Act, applications require proof of identity, age, and residence, along with declarations by the couple. The law also provides for public notice and a 30-day objection period before registration.

The stated purpose of the 2024 legislation includes compulsory registration and protection of the rights of married Muslim women and men. It also sets conditions relating to legal age, free consent, and prohibited relationships.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the new rules are expected to bring Muslim marriage registration under a more standardised government procedure, while creating a formal documentary record of marriages across the State.

The Cabinet also announced a special Puja bonus for beneficiaries of the Arunodoi scheme, a social welfare initiative under which money is transferred to the bank account of a nominated female member of each eligible household.

“Arunodoi beneficiaries will receive ₹1,500 in October instead of the regular monthly assistance of ₹1,250. The enhanced payment is being provided ahead of Durga Puja as a special festive-season benefit,” the Chief Minister said.

The other decisions included providing subsidised sugar and dal at ₹100 in October instead of the earlier proposed price of ₹105, and implementation of the Assam Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation project at a total estimated cost of ₹796.88 crore.