Assam proposes laws for transparency in marriage, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati: Assam Finance, Health, Education and PWD Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the government of Assam is considering to bring transparency in marriage laws, as it will make it mandatory for both bride and the groom to disclose information like their religion and the source of income. The decision came amidst the ongoing discussion on the issue of 'Love Jihad.'

The term 'Love Jihad' alleges that a Muslim man marries a non-muslim woman just to convert her religion into Islamism.

Speaking on the transparency during marriages, Dr Sarma said that no individual should get married if there is no transparency between the couple. The disclosures which are important before the marriage are the religion of a person, what a person does for a living, what is their income and so on.

However, Sarma clearly mentioned that their idea of the marriage transparency laws is not connected with 'Love Jihad.' What Sarma emphasised on is that no one should hide their identity, job or income.

He said that the state is not going against any religion but transparency in marriage. Sarma said that the State has already started drafting legislation.

Sarma also mentioned that the decision is not in line with Madhya Pradesh or Uttar Pradesh, where 'Love Jihad' bill is on its way to be introduced. Sarma called Assam government's decision as an empowering one for women.

Earlier in October, the UP Governor Anandiben Patel promulgated the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance 2020, and proposed 10-years of punishment and fine for cases or offences related to 'Love Jihad.'

While in Madhya Pradesh, the government has earlier announced about the passing of 'Love Jihad' bill. The bill includes five-years of imprisonment for the 'violators' of Love Jihad.

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