Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state government will introduce a bill prescribing a minimum seven-year jail term for those practising polygamy.
Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina scheme, Sarma announced that the proposed legislation will be tabled on November 25, the opening day of the winter session of the Assembly.
“If a person marries another woman without legally divorcing his wife, there will be a provision for seven years or more imprisonment irrespective of his religion,” he said, adding that the BJP government “will never allow polygamy”.
Sarma asserted that the law aims to “protect the dignity of women in Assam at any cost”.
The Chief Minister had in September last year announced the government’s intention to outlaw polygamy, following the recommendation of an expert committee that examined the legality of such a ban under the Constitution. The proposed bill is seen as part of the BJP government’s larger push for a Uniform Civil Code.
Also read: The Kerala HC observed this saying it is duty of state citizens don't have to beg for living
The Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina scheme, launched last year, provides monthly financial aid to girl students, ₹1,000 for Class 11, ₹1,250 for first-year undergraduates, and ₹2,500 for first-year postgraduates and BEd students, for ten months.
“Because of this scheme, the enrolment rate has gone up and dropout rates have dropped substantially compared to last year. Around 3.5 lakh girls will benefit this year,” the chief minister said.
Sarma had earlier said that the state would bring multiple bills in the upcoming session, including on “love jihad” and polygamy.
Follow us
