What is the role of a qazi or khazi in my community in Gangtok?

A qazi or khazi in Gangtok is a recognised official who performs marriages, issues certificates, and adjudicates minor disputes under Muslim Personal Law. The Sikkim High Court has held that a qazi's role is advisory and ceremonial and his decisions are not binding without the parties' consent.

Under the Sikkim Rent Control Act 2015 and the Qazi Act, the state government can appoint a qazi for a specified area. The qazi maintains registers of marriages and divorces and may issue certified copies.

A qazi is not a judicial officer and cannot enforce orders. His primary function is to facilitate the application of Muslim Personal Law within the community.