Guwahati, Aug 30: The Assam Assembly on Friday decided to eliminate a longstanding British-era tradition of granting a break for Friday Namaz. Starting immediately, the assembly will no longer have a two-hour break from 12 P.M. to 2 P.M. on Fridays for Muslim legislators to perform prayers. Instead, sessions will now start at 9:30 A.M. every day, including Fridays.
BJP MLA Biswajit Phukan from Sarupathar confirmed that this change was unanimously approved in a meeting led by Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary. Phukan noted that similar breaks are not observed in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, or other state assemblies, making this adjustment in line with current legislative practices.
In addition, the Assam Assembly has recently passed the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024. This new law requires the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, aiming to protect the rights of Muslim women and combat child marriage. It replaces the outdated Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that other states, such as Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir, already have similar laws. He stressed that this new legislation will provide greater safety and security for Muslim women in Assam. These recent changes reflect the state’s efforts to modernize and address contemporary social issues.
