The Assam government introduced the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, in the State Assembly on Tuesday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented legislation that proposes stringent penalties for individuals who engage in or conceal a second marriage while their first marriage remains legally valid.
Under the proposed law, polygamy would be classified as a criminal offense, carrying a prison sentence of up to seven years and potential fines that may reach ten years’ imprisonment for those who hide an existing marriage. Repeat offenders could face double the penalties.
The legislation is designed to be applicable throughout Assam, with the exception of areas governed by the Sixth Schedule. It will not affect Scheduled Tribes listed under Article 342 of the Constitution, as certain tribal customs in Assam allow for multiple marriages.
The Bill’s Statement of Objects and Reasons states its goals as eliminating polygamy, protecting women from hardship, and “streamlining society.”
Additionally, the Bill’s implications extend beyond those directly involved in polygamous unions. Village heads, qazis, parents, and legal guardians who facilitate or fail to report these marriages may face legal consequences. Individuals who willfully withhold or delay information from authorities may be subjected to similar penalties as the principal offenders, including imprisonment for up to two years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. Clergy or qazis who knowingly officiate such marriages may incur fines of up to ₹1.5 lakh, with other accomplices facing penalties as well.
The legislation also encompasses residents of Assam who willingly enter polygamous marriages outside the state, and it applies to individuals residing outside Assam who have immovable property in the state or receive state-funded benefits, subsidies, or welfare support.
A conviction under this proposed law would disqualify individuals from government-funded or aided employment and from receiving benefits under any state government initiatives. Those convicted will also be barred from contesting elections in Assam.
The draft law establishes a mechanism for compensating women adversely affected by polygamous marriages through a designated authority responsible for processing claims and disbursing compensation. It clarifies that existing polygamous marriages that were contracted prior to the law’s enactment will not be invalidated, provided they adhere to prevailing personal or customary laws and are backed by valid documentation. Police officers will be empowered to proactively intervene to prevent prohibited marriages.
Opposition parties criticized the introduction of this Bill, alleging that the BJP-led state government is using it to target Muslims ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
MLAs from Congress, CPI(M), and Raijor Dal had walked out of the assembly following a discussion on the death of singer-composer-actor Zubeen Garg, which occurred during the Bill’s introduction.
AIUDF MLA and party General Secretary Rafiqul Islam responded to the Cabinet’s approval by labeling the legislation as discriminatory, pointing out the exemption for individuals in certain Scheduled Areas who are permitted to have subsequent marriages while placing restrictions on others. He described the framework as “absurd and divisive for Assam” and indicated that the Bill would be subject to further discussion on the 29th.
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