Dehradun, September 3: The Uttarakhand Waqf Board is developing a new marriage contract in accordance with the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) regulations for the Muslim community. Shadab Shams, the chairman of the Uttarakhand Waqf Board, stated that the aim is to protect the Muslim community from the challenges and crimes they may face.
In an interview with a news agency, Shadab Shams elaborated on the new marriage contract. He noted, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the UCC. With the UCC in place, polygamy is banned, triple talaq is prohibited, and practices like halala are considered criminal. Keeping this in mind, the Uttarakhand Waqf Board decided in its last meeting to introduce a new marriage contract for the Muslim community to ensure strict adherence to the UCC.”
Shams emphasized that the new marriage contract will raise awareness in society, helping people avoid these issues. “No individual will be allowed to marry multiple times. In developed countries like the USA, UK, Germany, and France, a person lives with only one spouse, and this should be the case here as well. All these points will be included in the marriage contract to prevent any deceit,” he added.
He also mentioned that the information provided in the affidavit accompanying the marriage contract must be entirely truthful. Any violations or false information will lead to legal action. “We have prepared this marriage contract in this direction. It is well-known that the atmosphere in the state has often deteriorated when someone has married after converting their religion. Since all mosques and madrasas fall under the Waqf Board, and some Waqf properties are also under its jurisdiction, it is the board’s responsibility to ensure that no irregularities occur and to hold accountable those who violate the rules,” Shams explained.
Furthermore, Shams stated that the Waqf Board will appoint only those qazis and imams who can conduct marriages in accordance with the correct guidelines. “Only those qazis and imams appointed by the Waqf Board will be authorized to perform marriages. The marriage will take place under this contract, and no separate documentation will be accepted. This is a comprehensive marriage contract that requires detailed and accurate information,” he said.
The Waqf Board chairman also mentioned that individuals will be made aware during the marriage ceremony that marrying after converting someone’s religion will be considered a crime. “Now, a marriage cannot occur by converting a girl’s religion. If anyone attempts this, legal action will be taken against them,” he asserted.
He concluded by stating, “If two individuals from different religions wish to marry, they may approach the court. It will no longer be permissible to invite someone home, convert their religion, and conduct a marriage. This will prevent any cleric from facing legal repercussions, ensuring they do not commit wrongdoings and do not face punishment. Thus, this new marriage contract by the Waqf Board will guide society in the right direction.”
Leave a Comment