Assam passes bill to ban polygamy

The Assam government on Thursday passed a bill in the Assembly to ban polygamy.

The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, had been introduced on Tuesday. It proposes up to seven years of imprisonment for persons convicted of polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife. Further, those found guilty of having concealed their previous marriage can face punishment of up to ten years' imprisonment.

It also states that if parents, priests or village heads hide a polygamous marriage from the police, or “unreasonably” delay providing such information to the authorities, they would also be held liable for abetting the offence.

Further, a priest who knowingly solemnises a polygamous marriage can be punished with imprisonment of up to two years.

Before the Assembly passed the bill, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma contended that the legislation was not against Islam, adding that several Muslim-majority countries had also prohibited polygamy, ANI reported.

“If this bill passes, then you will get a chance to be a true Muslim,” ANI quoted him as saying. “Countries like Turkey have also banned polygamy, there is an arbitration council in Pakistan.”

However, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi told ANI that the bill undermines constitutional protections pertaining to freedom of consience and the freedom to manage religious affairs.

All India United Democratic Front MLA Aminul Islam said that his party opposed the bill's preamble, adding that the legislation violates several provisions of the Constitution, ANI reported.

Meanwhile, Sarma added that if he returns as chief minister, he will introduce a Uniform Civil Code in the first session of the Assembly, ANI reported.

Assembly elections in Assam are expected to be held in the first half of 2026.

A Uniform Civil Code involves a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, succession and adoption for all citizens. Currently, different religious communities are governed by their own codes of personal law.

The introduction of a common personal law has for long been on the Bharatiya Janata Party's agenda and several states ruled by the party have been making advances towards implementing it. The BJP claims that the aim of the proposed law is to ensure equality and justice for women in particular, who are often denied their rights in marriage, divorce and inheritance.

Source: Scroll
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