The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called on the government to urgently reform the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA), saying several of its provisions are discriminatory and violate the Constitution as well as international human rights obligations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission pointed out that the MMDA excludes women from being appointed as registrars and quazis, allows men to divorce without cause while imposing stricter conditions on women, and permits polygamy. It also raised alarm that the Act contains no fixed minimum age for marriage, enabling girls under 12 to be married with quazi approval.
The Commission recommended a series of reforms, including setting 18 years as the minimum age of marriage, abolishing polygamy, and allowing women to serve as quazis with proper eligibility criteria and fair remuneration. It also urged the government to amend the Penal Code to remove the clause that permits marital relations with girls over 12, and to establish a properly resourced family court system to replace or reform the current quazi system.
The HRCSL stressed that consultations on reforms must be inclusive and time-bound, ensuring meaningful participation of women, victims of early marriage, and those affected by domestic violence.
“Prolonged delays will only continue the victimisation of those subjected to the discriminatory provisions of the MMDA,” the Commission said.
HRCSL-Statement-on-Reforming-the-Muslim-Marriage-and-Divorce-Act-and-on-Related-Matters
