Assam passes polygamy ban Bill; offenders to face up to 10 years in jail; CM Sarma says law ‘not against Islam’
Before the Bill was passed, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the House that the legislation should not be viewed as targeting any religion
PTC Web Desk: The Assam Assembly has approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, introducing some of the toughest penalties in the country for entering into or enabling polygamous marriages. Individuals found guilty of marrying more than one spouse can face imprisonment of up to seven years, while those who deliberately hide information about an existing marriage before entering another relationship may be punished with up to 10 years in jail.
Before the Bill was passed, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the House that the legislation should not be viewed as targeting any religion. He maintained that the law aligns with the principles of Islam, stating that “true Islamic people will welcome this Act.” Sarma pointed out that several Islamic nations, including Turkey and Pakistan, have mechanisms or laws restricting polygamy.
He further reiterated his commitment to bringing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to the state if he returns as Chief Minister next year. “If I come back to the Assembly as Chief Minister in the next term, I will introduce the UCC in the very first session,” he said.
The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), however, opposed the Bill. Party MLA Aminul Islam argued that the legislation contradicts certain constitutional provisions and called it discriminatory.
The new law also extends accountability to those who support or enable illegal polygamous marriages. Parents, village authorities and religious functionaries who participate in, conduct or conceal such marriages may be jailed for up to two years. Repeat offenders will face harsher consequences, though the government is yet to specify the enhanced penalties.
In a major policy shift, the legislation bars convicted persons from securing government jobs, benefiting from state-funded schemes, or contesting elections in Assam. With polygamy now designated as a cognisable offence, the police can arrest suspects without a warrant and launch investigations immediately after complaints are filed.
The Bill also provides financial relief to women affected by illegal polygamous marriages. A state-appointed authority will determine and grant compensation based on individual cases.
Certain regions and communities, however, remain outside the purview of the law. The prohibition does not extend to areas under the Sixth Schedule, including BTR, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong or to people belonging to Scheduled Tribes.