Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma Govt Passes Anti-Polygamy Bill

The Assam Assembly has approved a bill that imposes strict penalties for polygamous marriages. The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, prescribes up to seven years of imprisonment for engaging in polygamous unions. A harsher penalty of up to ten years is applicable for those who conceal an existing spouse when entering a new marriage. This legislative move aims to deter individuals from engaging in such practices.

Before the bill's passage, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the legislation is not anti-Islam. "Islam can't promote polygamy. If this bill passes, then you will get a chance to be a true Muslim. This bill is not against Islam. The true Islamic people will welcome this Act. Countries like Turkey have also banned Polygamy; there is an arbitration council in Pakistan...," Sarma said. He expressed confidence that genuine followers of Islam would appreciate the new law.

Legal Consequences and Exemptions

The new law goes beyond direct offenders by punishing those who aid in polygamous marriages. Parents, village officials, and religious leaders involved in such unions can face up to two years in prison. It does not apply to the Bodoland Territorial Region or the hill districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong. Scheduled Tribes are also exempt due to governance under the Sixth Schedule.

Polygamy has been classified as a cognisable criminal offence in Assam. This empowers police to arrest suspects without a warrant and begin investigations promptly upon receiving complaints. The government aims to ensure that the law acts as a deterrent to repeated violations, though specific penalties for repeat offences are yet to be clarified.

Financial Implications and Future Plans

The bill stipulates financial compensation for women affected by illegal polygamous marriages. An authority will be appointed by the state to assess and award compensation on an individual basis. Additionally, those convicted under the bill are barred from public employment funded by the Assam government, state government schemes, and contesting elections in Assam.

Chief Minister Sarma has also committed to introducing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if he is re-elected. "If I return to the assembly as the Chief Minister, I will bring the UCC in the first session of the assembly. I give you my commitment that I will bring the UCC to Assam," he stated. This aligns with the government's broader agenda to implement uniform civil codes and provide legal protection for women in the state.