Ban on Polygamy in Assam: What is the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill?
The Assam government has successfully passed a bill to put a firm stop to polygamy. The sole objective of this bill is to eradicate the practice of polygamy from the state once and for all. For those found guilty under this bill, there is a clear provision for punishment, which includes imprisonment of up to two years and a fine.
The government believes that this step is going to shield women’s rights and give a massive boost to gender equality.
Polygamy Bill Passed in the Assam Assembly
Digital Desk, New Delhi. The Assam Assembly passed a very crucial bill on Thursday, making polygamy (the practice of having more than one marriage) a criminal offense in the state from now on. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the purpose behind this new law is to ensure the safety of women and to strengthen their rights.
According to the bill, if a person gets married again while already being married, or if their previous marriage hasn’t legally ended, it will be treated as a serious crime.
Punishment and Compensation in the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025
What is in the Bill?
Under this ‘Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025′, if someone is found guilty, they could face a maximum jail term of 7 years. Along with this, a provision has been kept to provide compensation to the victimized woman, so that her financial security can be ensured.
The bill also gives a crystal-clear definition of polygamy. If a person marries when their spouse is still alive and they haven’t obtained a legal divorce, or if their marriage hasn’t been legally annulled, then this will be considered polygamy.
Why did the government take this step?
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that this bill marks the beginning of a major legal reform in Assam. This move is similar to those states that have started working on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). For instance, the Uttarakhand Assembly has already passed a similar bill.
The government says that this change is Zaroori (necessary) to bring uniformity in society and to strengthen the rights of women.
Legal Basis and Religious Aspects of the Bill (New Content)
Does this bill target any specific religion?
No, Baat ye hai (the fact is) that this bill will apply to people of all religions. The government has clearly stated that its purpose is not to stop any specific religious practice, but to stop the injustice happening against women in society. Even the Constitution of India considers gender equality essential. That is why this law looks at everyone with the same lens.
What is the legal basis of the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill?
This bill has been brought in strictly under the Indian Constitution. Actually, it changes the existing Personal Laws. The Assam government had earlier formed an expert committee which stated that the state has the power to bring such a law. Therefore, the legal path to implement this bill is quite straight. There shouldn’t be much difficulty in the courts regarding this.
What is the connection between this bill and the UCC (Uniform Civil Code)?
Aur haan (And yes), this bill is actually a small step towards the UCC. Just as the UCC makes the rules for marriage, divorce, and inheritance the same for the whole country, this bill unifies the rules of polygamy for all religions in Assam. Making such small reforms before starting work on the UCC is a necessary process.
The Conclusion
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025 is a huge and necessary step. It doesn’t just provide safety to women but shows a new path to society. Now everyone will have to follow the law, otherwise, a jail term is guaranteed.
FAQs (Ban on Polygamy in Assam)
When will this Assam Polygamy Bill come into effect?
After passing in the Assam Assembly, this bill needs to get the Governor’s approval, and then it will be announced in an official notification. Only after that will it become law.
If someone has already married twice before this bill came, will they be punished?
No, usually the law does not apply to past matters. If someone marries again after the bill is implemented, only then will they be considered guilty. However, full information on this is necessary and will be found in the final text of the bill.
What relief can a victimized woman get after this bill?
The biggest relief is that a second marriage will be declared illegal. Aur haan, the bill also includes a provision to get compensation from the husband for the victimized woman.
Does this law change the rules of Divorce as well?
No, this bill does not directly change the rules of divorce. It only puts a ban on polygamy, meaning having more than one marriage. The rules for divorce remain separate, as stated in the different Personal Laws.
Is this bill only for Muslim people, or will it apply to everyone?
The government has clearly stated that the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill will apply equally to every religion and every citizen. Its goal is to bring gender equality, not to target any one religion.
