Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday tabled the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 in the state Assembly, marking a major step toward banning the practice across the state. The bill was introduced after Sarma received approval from Speaker Biswajit Daimary.
The tabling took place in the absence of Congress, CPI(M), and Raijor Dal legislators, who staged a walkout earlier during a discussion on the death of noted singer Zubeen Garg.
Polygamy — defined as having more than one living spouse at the same time — is practiced in certain communities in Assam. The proposed law seeks to prohibit polygamy regardless of religious customs, with the government arguing that personal laws cannot supersede women’s rights and dignity.
The bill, introduced on the first day of the Winter Session, will be taken up for detailed discussion and passage on a later date.
Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma had made the state government’s position unequivocally clear. He said polygamy would attract a minimum punishment of seven years’ imprisonment, irrespective of the offender’s religious background.
“If a person marries another woman without legally divorcing his wife, there will be a provision for imprisonment of seven years or more. Religious justification won’t do,” Sarma had stated.
He further asserted that the BJP-led government was committed to ending the practice entirely. “The BJP government won’t allow polygamy. We will protect the dignity of women in this state at any cost,” he said.
The Assam government has already taken steps in the direction of uniform civil reform, including the closure of state-run madrassas and legislative discussions on certain marriage practices. The anti-polygamy bill is seen as part of Sarma’s long-term push toward a more uniform legal structure on marriage and family laws.
Also read: With 76% score, Assam tops in implementing new criminal laws
Follow us
