In a historic move, the Assam Assembly has passed the “Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025.” Under this law, polygamy will now be completely banned in the state, with anyone practicing it facing up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine. After lengthy debate, opposition protests, and numerous amendments, the bill was finally passed by voice vote. Assam has now become the second state, after Uttarakhand, to ban polygamy. This law will not apply to Scheduled Tribe communities and Sixth Schedule areas.
What are the provisions in the law?
The new bill not only criminalizes polygamy but also punishes any individuals and entities that promote, perform, or conceal information about such marriages. The key provisions are as follows:
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7 years imprisonment and fine for marrying a second time while the spouse is alive
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10 years imprisonment and fine for marrying a second time after concealing the previous marriage
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In case of repetition, the punishment will be doubled.
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If parents, guardians, Qazi/Priest etc. perform or conceal such marriage, then 2 years imprisonment + fine of Rs 1-1.5 lakh
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Those found guilty will be barred from government jobs, government schemes and local elections.
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It is mandatory for Qazis and guardians to report such activities.
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If the accused is a resident of Assam, the law applies to marriages performed outside the state.
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This law will also apply to outsiders who come to Assam and practice polygamy.
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The government has the power to provide compensation to victimized women and to lay down detailed rules.
Government’s argument: This is not a religious issue, it’s a question of women’s safety
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma , calling the bill a necessary step for the dignity and safety of women, said that polygamy harms women the most. He pointed out that in many cases, men aged 60–70 marry women aged 18–20, which is clearly exploitation.
Sarma said that although polygamy is prohibited under Indian law, the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937, did not apply in certain situations, forcing the state to enact a separate law.
He said that the Quran also recognizes monogamy as a fundamental principle, and polygamy is permitted only as an exception under the rules of strict justice, which are not followed today. The Chief Minister clarified that this law is not against any religion, but rather to protect the rights of women.
A step that will lay the groundwork for the UCC?
The Chief Minister indicated that this law lays an important legal foundation for the future implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He announced that if he is elected to power again, he will implement the UCC in the first assembly meeting. He also promised to introduce a separate law against “ fraudulent marriages ” by February.
Who will be exempted from this law?
This law will not apply to:
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Scheduled Tribe (ST) community
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The government said that the autonomous areas under the Sixth Schedule have their own laws and traditions, which will be respected.
Why is law important?
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A major step towards stopping the social, economic and mental exploitation of women in the state
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Comprehensive protection by criminalizing all aspects of polygamy—solomization, assistance, concealment, and non-reporting.
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Historic reforms towards ensuring rights and equality for women in the state
This law could prove to be a significant game changer in the marital and social structure of Assam and will have wide-ranging social impacts in the coming years.