The Assam Cabinet approved rules for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma presides over the Assam Cabinet meeting at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati on September 24, 2026. | Photo Credit: X/@CMOfficeAssam via ANI

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

The Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026 operationalize the registration framework under the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Compulsory Registration Act, 2024, which replaced the 1935 legislation.

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

Changed age requirements

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 It argued that the old framework was outdated and could allow registration of minor marriages.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

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

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

Standardized procedure

The stated purpose of the 2024 legislation includes mandatory registration and protection of the rights of married Muslim women and men. It also sets conditions regarding age of majority, free consent and prohibited relationships.

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

Festive bonus

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

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

Other decisions included providing subsidized sugar and dal in October at ₹100 instead of the earlier proposed price of ₹105 and implementing the Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation Project in Assam at a total estimated cost of ₹796.88 million.

Published – 24 Sep 2026 22:34 IST