In conversation with news agency ANIST Hassan said: “There is no need to emphasize this so much. Muslims will follow the Shariat and the Quran. They (the government) can make as many laws as they want… Every religion has its own rituals. They are followed .for thousands of years. They will continue to be followed.'
Assam's initiative to repeal the Muslim Marriage Act and how it was criticized:
After a late evening meeting on Friday, the Assam Cabinet decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the action was taken to end child marriage in the state.
“This law contained provisions that allowed marriage registration even if the bride and groom had not yet reached the legal age of 18 and 21 respectively, as required by law. This move marks another important step towards banning child marriage in Assam,” the Prime Minister said. X.
According to the order, the District Commissioners and District Registrars will be empowered to take custody of “registration records”, currently with 94 Muslim marriage registrars, on the repeal of the legislation, under the general supervision and control of the Assam Inspector General of Registration.
“A one-time fee of ₹two lakh will be provided to Muslim marriage registrars for their rehabilitation after the law is repealed.”
Meanwhile, the move drew criticism from Congress, Samajwadi Party, All India United Democratic Front and others
Congress leader Abdur Rashid Mandal termed it a 'discriminatory decision' and said the Assam government failed to ban polygamy for unknown reasons.
“Just before the elections, they are trying to polarize the Hindu voters in favor of the BJP by robbing and discriminating against Muslims in some areas, such as repealing this law by saying this is a pre-independence act and child marriage to quote things that are not facts. This is the only mechanism to register the marriages of Muslims and there is no other scope or institution and it is also in accordance with the Constitution of India. It is the Muslim's personal law that cannot be abrogated… I will discuss it with the leaders of my party and my party will speak about it,” he said.
Meanwhile, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) leader Rafiqul Islam called it a 'tactic to attack Muslims'.
While Rafiqul spoke to ANI, “This government doesn't have the courage to bring UCC. They can't do it. What they brought in Uttarakhand is also not UCC… They tried to bring UCC to Assam too. But I think they cannot take it to Assam because there are people from different castes and communities here…BJP followers themselves follow these practices here…Elections are coming, this is just their tactic to attack Muslims,” he said. .
“They could not bring a bill on polygamy or UCC in Assam… So they are repealing the Assam Muslim Marriages & Divorces Registration Act. The Assam Cabinet has no right to revoke or amend a constitutional right.. .” the AIUDF MLA further said.
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