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 It argued that the old framework was outdated and could allow registration of marriages involving minors.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.