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

A qazi or khazi in Shillong is a recognised official who performs marriages, issues certificates, and adjudicates minor disputes under Muslim Personal Law. The Meghalaya 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 Meghalaya Rent Control Act 2014 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.