In Hinduism, although marriages are conducted through religious rituals, the marriage registration is done at a government office. In contrast, under Islamic law in Islam, polygamy is allowed, permitting a person to marry multiple women, which is against Indian law. The Himanta Biswa Sarma government of Assam has prioritized the Indian Constitution over Islamic law, announcing that like in Hinduism, marriages in Islam will now be registered in government offices and not by Qazis.
Constitutionally, this decision may be legally valid, but the defenders of Islam might not easily accept this decision, and the Assam government is aware of this. Therefore, the Himanta government appears determined to strictly enforce this law.
The Himanta Biswa government of Assam has approved the Muslim Marriage Registration Bill 2024 amid opposition protests. From August 21, 2024, marriages involving minors will not be registered. Last year, the government also cracked down on illegally operating madrasas in Assam. During the investigation, it was revealed that illegal madrasas were promoting terrorist activities. After curbing madrasas, the decision to register Muslim nikah proves that the BJP government in Assam is ready to break the backbone of political parties practicing appeasement.
Demand for a Law on Population Balance:
Now, Hindu organizations active in the state are demanding strict laws against those who have more than two children, to take concrete steps towards population control.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, who moved from Congress to BJP, is now taking a tough stance on issues related to demographic changes in the state. Earlier this month, he stated that his government would bring a law against “Love Jihad” as promised in their election manifesto, which would include a provision for life imprisonment for the guilty. After making a strict law on Muslim marriages, there is speculation that the BJP government in Assam might soon introduce a tough law on divorce as well.
