Assam approves rules requiring registration of Muslim marriages and divorces

The Assam Cabinet has approved rules establishing a compulsory registration process for Muslim marriages and divorces in the State, according to an explainer published by The Hindu. The Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026, approved on September 24, operationalise the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024. The rules had not been placed in the public domain at the time of the report.

The Act applies to Muslim marriages solemnised in Assam before or after its commencement, except marriages conducted under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. It covers a nikah or another ceremony conducted under Muslim personal law and Islamic rituals, as well as remarriages after the death of a spouse or the dissolution of an earlier marriage. The legislation says it adds to, rather than replaces, Muslim personal law.

For registration, the marriage must have taken place, the parties must have lived together as husband and wife, and at least one party must have lived in the registrar’s district for 30 days before the relevant application or notice. The bride must be at least 18 and the bridegroom at least 21 on the date of solemnisation. Both parties must have freely consented, must not be within a prohibited degree of relationship under Shariat or Muslim law, and must provide documents establishing identity, age and residence.

The process begins with written notice to the district Marriage and Divorce Registrar. The notice is entered in a register and displayed publicly, allowing objections within 30 days. After verification and consideration of objections, the registrar may issue a marriage certificate signed by the parties and witnesses.

The law provides appeal routes to the District Registrar and then the Registrar General of Marriage. Delayed registration may be allowed with additional fees, including in exceptional cases involving undue hardship. Divorces may also be registered within 30 days, whether granted by a court or otherwise, after the registrar verifies that the divorce occurred.

False certificates can attract imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to ₹10,000, or both, with further consequences where forgery is involved.