In an effort to modernize and reform the legal framework governing Muslim marriages and divorces, a state government in India recently introduced a new Bill that replaces the outdated Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935, citing concerns over provisions that allowed for the possibility of minor marriages. Which state government took this significant step to repeal the 1935 Act?

The correct answer is Assam In News The Assam government plans to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935 by tabling a Bill in the forthcoming Monsoon Session of the Assembly. Key Points The 1935 Act governs the registration of marriages and divorces under Muslim personal law and has been criticized for allowing registration of marriages where parties might not meet the legal age requirements. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the Cabinet approved the Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, to eliminate the 1935 Act and its rules. The government argues that repealing the Act is a measure to combat child marriages, as it previously allowed marriages to be registered even if the bride and groom were below the legal marriage age o f 18 and 21. The new legislation will introduce alternative registration procedures for Muslim marriages, likely under the Special Marriage Act. The proposed changes aim to address issues related to child marriage and improve the legal framework for marriage registration in the state.