Himanta Biswa Sarma Proposes Stricter Divorce Laws in Assam for Muslim Marriages
New Regulations Aim to Combat Rising Divorce Rates and Protect Women's Rights
Assam Chief Minister Proposes Amendments to Existing Marriage and Divorce Laws
In a bold move to address the rising divorce rates in Muslim marriages, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has proposed stricter divorce laws. The proposed amendments aim to protect the rights of women and ensure a more equitable distribution of marital assets.
Current Divorce Laws in Assam
Currently, divorce in Muslim marriages is governed by the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939. This act allows for divorce on grounds such as insanity, impotency, cruelty, and desertion.
Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments seek to introduce several significant changes to the existing laws, including:
- Increasing the waiting period for divorce from three months to one year.
- Requiring mandatory counseling for couples seeking divorce.
- Making it mandatory for the husband to provide maintenance to the wife during the waiting period.
- Introducing a new provision for the equitable distribution of marital assets.
Reasons for the Amendments
The proposed amendments are driven by several factors, including:
- Rising divorce rates in Muslim marriages.
- Concerns about the lack of protection for women in divorce proceedings.
- The need to bring Assam's divorce laws in line with other states in India.
Next Steps
The proposed amendments are currently under consideration by the Assam government. If approved, they will be introduced in the state legislature for further debate and approval.
Reactions to the Proposals
The proposed amendments have received mixed reactions. While some have welcomed the move as a step towards protecting women's rights, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Muslim families.
Conclusion
The proposed amendments to divorce laws in Assam are a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for Muslim marriages in the state. The amendments seek to address the rising divorce rates and provide better protection for women's rights. However, the final outcome of the legislative process remains to be seen.
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