The Assam Legislative Assembly has abolished its decades-old practice of a two-hour break on Fridays to facilitate Muslim legislators to offer 'namaz', a rule that was in place since 1937. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to prioritize productivity and reflect the secular nature of the Constitution. Additionally, the Assembly passed the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, which mandates government registration of Muslim marriages and divorces to prevent child marriages and ensure free consent of the parties involved. The new law replaces the colonial-era Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935, and eliminates the role of Qazis in the registration process. This move has drawn criticism from opposition parties who argue it infringes on Muslim personal laws, while proponents argue it ensures compliance and protects vulnerable groups.