The strict Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, which was passed in the Assam Assembly yesterday, has several notable features, including a maximum sentence of seven years in prison for those who enter into polygamous marriages and a harsher penalty of ten years for those who conceal information about an existing spouse at the time of a subsequent marriage.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed the House before the Assembly passed the measure that it was "not against Islam" and that "true Islamic people will welcome this."
"Polygamy cannot be encouraged by Islam. You will have the opportunity to become a real Muslim if this measure is approved. Islam is not opposed by this bill.
The true Islamic people will welcome this Act. Polygamy is prohibited in nations like Turkey, and Pakistan has an arbitration committee, according to Sarma.
Sarma declared, "If I return to the assembly as the Chief Minister, I will bring the UCC in the first session of the assembly," pledging to enact the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if he were to take office again next year. I promise to introduce the UCC to Assam.
Aminul Islam of the AIUDF stated after the law was passed that his party had opposed it in the Assembly because it was "in violation of some articles of the Constitution."
The measure lays forth sanctions for both direct offenders and those who encourage polygamous marriages. Participating in, solemnising, or concealing information about such weddings can result in up to two years in prison for parents, village officials, and religious officials.
Although the precise improvements are not yet known, the bill stipulates harsher punishments for repeat violators. The purpose of the bill is to discourage anyone who might consider committing repeated infractions.
Additionally, those found guilty under the bill's terms are barred from participating in any state government programs, public jobs financed or assisted by the Assam government, and Assamese elections.
In Assam, polygamy is now considered a criminal offense, giving police the authority to detain individuals without a warrant and to start investigations as soon as they receive complaints.
Under the newly established law, cash compensation would be granted to women who are victims of illegal polygamous marriages. An authority to evaluate and grant such compensation on a case by case basis shall be appointed by the state government.
The Bodoland Territorial Region, the highland districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong, and members of Scheduled Tribes are exempt from the prohibition because they fall under the Sixth Schedule.
The bill was tabled on the first day of the assembly's winter session. Debates about the legislation's effects on personal laws and the rights of religious and tribal communities preceded the legislative process.
The government's larger plan to establish standard civil rules and guarantee women's legal protection in the state includes the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025.
