Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Nov 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday introduced a bill in the Assembly seeking to ban polygamy in the state, proposing stringent jail terms for those entering into multiple marriages.
With Speaker Biswajit Daimary’s permission, Sarma — who also holds the Home and Political portfolios — presented The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025. The bill was tabled in the absence of Congress, CPI(M) and Raijor Dal MLAs, who walked out moments before its introduction.
The legislation will apply throughout Assam except in Sixth Schedule areas, and will not cover Scheduled Tribe communities listed under Article 342 of the Constitution. The bill states that its objective is to eliminate the practice of polygamy and prohibit polygamous marriages in the state.
Under the proposed law, polygamy will be a criminal offence punishable with up to seven years’ imprisonment. If a person enters into another marriage while hiding an existing one, the punishment may extend to ten years along with a fine.
The bill defines polygamy as marrying another person while a previous marriage still exists, or when a spouse is still alive and the earlier marriage has not been legally dissolved or annulled.
The draft legislation also includes provisions for compensation to women affected by polygamous marriages, noting that they often face severe hardship.
For repeat offenders, the bill prescribes double the punishment for every subsequent violation. It also proposes penalties for those who facilitate such marriages — including village heads, qazis, parents or guardians — with up to two years in jail and fines of up to ?1 lakh.
Anyone who knowingly solemnises a polygamous marriage in violation of the law may face up to two years’ imprisonment or fines up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
The bill further bars convicted individuals from holding any public employment or receiving benefits from government-aided schemes. They will also be disqualified from contesting elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies and similar bodies.