Assam's new compulsory Muslim marriage registration rules, approved under the 2024 Act, replace the 1935 Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, which had allowed voluntary registration. The 2010 amendment had already made registration mandatory, but the 2026 rules codify the process into a uniform procedural framework. They require applicants to present proof of identity, age and residence, submit declarations, and publish a public notice with a 30‑day objection period. The framework also stipulates that the woman must be at least 18 and the man at least 21, eliminating any provision for marriages involving minors.
The cabinet decision also addressed the earlier ban on kazis registering Muslim marriages, a move that left couples without a clear registration venue. Under the new rules, the responsibility shifts entirely to government registrars, with the state planning to appoint additional officers if application volumes rise. This change aims to streamline the process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for couples seeking legal recognition of their unions.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the move is aimed at ensuring that Muslim marriages are properly registered through the government's registration system.
The new rules also introduce a 30‑day objection period, allowing parties to contest the registration before it is finalized, thereby adding a layer of legal scrutiny.
The state will begin appointing registrars, with additional officers to be added as demand grows.