The Assam Cabinet has approved the Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026, making it mandatory for all Muslim marriages in the state to be officially registered.
The rules operationalise the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024, which replaced the colonial‑era 1935 Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act. The law aims to protect the rights of married Muslims in matters of inheritance, divorce, and legal recognition.
Under the Act, “marriage” includes a nikah or any ceremony performed under Muslim Personal Law and Islamic rituals, as well as remarriages after divorce or the death of a spouse. The law applies to all Muslim marriages solemnised in Assam, whether before or after its commencement, except those registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Importantly, Section 26 clarifies that the Act is in addition to Muslim Personal Law, meaning it does not override religious practices but adds a compulsory legal registration requirement. This ensures that marriages are recognised by the state, reducing disputes over legitimacy and safeguarding women’s rights.
Officials say the move will bring uniformity, transparency, and accountability to marriage records, while critics argue it could add bureaucratic hurdles. The detailed rules are expected to outline who can register marriages, the conditions required, and whether objections can be raised during the process.
