The Assam Assembly on Thursday passed a significant bill that criminalizes polygamy, imposing a maximum potential sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment with certain exemptions.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the ban on polygamy is a crucial step toward implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, clarifying that the legislation is not aimed at any specific religion, including Islam. “The Hindus are not free from polygamy. That’s also our responsibility. This bill will cover people from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and all other societies,” he stated during the bill’s passage.
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, defines polygamy as the act of marrying or being married to another individual while already having a valid marriage or a living spouse without a legal divorce or annulment. According to the provisions of the bill, individuals who enter into a polygamous marriage can face up to seven years in prison, plus fines. If a subsequent marriage is entered into while concealing an existing one, the penalty increases to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. Additionally, repeat offenders may face double the stipulated punishment for each subsequent violation.
Notably, the new law exempts individuals in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and those living in areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution from its jurisdiction.
Despite Chief Minister Sarma’s appeal for all opposition members to withdraw their amendments for a unified stance on women’s empowerment, parties like the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) proceeded with their suggestions. These amendments were ultimately rejected by a voice vote, with CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar advocating for the bill to be referred to a Select Committee for a thorough review.
Looking ahead, Chief Minister Sarma pledged the full implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Assam if re-elected in the upcoming Assembly elections, expected in March or April 2026. He assured the Assembly, “If I return as CM, the UCC bill will be tabled in the first session of the new government and will be implemented.”
Additionally, Sarma indicated plans to introduce a bill against deceptive marriage by the end of February, reinforcing his commitment to addressing issues related to what he termed as “love jihad.”
