14 hrs ago
Assam Approves Mandatory Government Registration Rules for Muslim Marriages
Assam has approved new rules for registering Muslim marriages.
The rules apply across the state.
Muslim couples must now register their marriages with government-appointed officials.
Earlier, licensed Muslim registrars called kazis could handle the process.
The new system makes registration part of the state government’s formal process.
Couples must show proof of their identity, age, and residence.
They must also provide required declarations.
The rules do not allow marriages involving minors to be registered.
Applications include public notice and a 30-day period for objections.
The Assam Cabinet approved the Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026.
The rules require Muslim marriages to be registered by government-appointed marriage registrars.
The system replaces registration by licensed Muslim registrars, commonly known as kazis.
Couples must provide proof of identity, age, residence, and required declarations.
The framework sets minimum marriage ages of 18 for women and 21 for men, with public notice and a 30-day objection period.
- Who
- The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved the rules.
- What
- The cabinet approved compulsory registration rules that shift Muslim marriage registration from kazis to government-appointed registrars.
- Where
- Assam, India.
- When
- The rules were approved in 2026; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- The government said the rules establish a uniform procedure and ensure that Muslim marriages are properly registered through the state registration system.
Key facts
- Rules
- Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026
- Underlying law
- Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024
- Previous legislation
- Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, enacted in 1935
- Registration authority
- Government-appointed marriage registrars instead of licensed Muslim registrars, or kazis
- Minimum marriage age
- Women must be at least 18 and men at least 21
- Application requirements
- Proof of identity, age, residence, and declarations by the couple
- Objection process
- Public notice and a 30-day period for raising objections
Quotes
Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister who announced the Cabinet decision
“If the number of applications increases, we will gradually appoint some additional officers as registrars so that people do not face any difficulty in registering their marriages.”
thestatesman.com
“The 'Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026' to establish a uniform procedural framework for mandatory registration across the state has been approved.”
NDTV











