Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has confirmed the date for a major legal change. On November 25, the state government will present the “Anti-Polygamy Bill” in the assembly, marking a step that could reshape marriage laws in the state. The announcement turns an earlier idea into a near-final law, carrying strict punishments for offenders.
What Is The New Anti-Polygamy Law?
The core of the proposed legislation, officially titled “The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025,” is straightforward in its intent but complex in its implications. The bill aims to completely prohibit the practice of marrying multiple partners. According to the Chief Minister, any individual who undergoes a second or subsequent marriage while already having a living spouse will face legal consequences. The key condition is that the first marriage must not be legally dissolved or annulled. This move is designed to create a uniform standard for marital contracts across the state’s communities.
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Who Does This Law Affect?
A critical question arises: will this law apply to everyone in Assam? The government has carved out an important exception. The ban will not apply to the state’s Sixth Scheduled areas, which are autonomous zones mainly home to tribal communities. This exception recognises their unique cultural and traditional practices protected by the Constitution. For the rest of Assam, though, the law will be uniform and apply to everyone, regardless of religion or community.
Understanding the Punishment for Violators
The government is planning a strict punishment to enforce the ban. The bill proposes a seven-year term of rigorous imprisonment for anyone caught entering a polygamous marriage. This harsh penalty shows that the administration considers polygamy a major social wrongdoing. The aim is to strongly discourage the practice by making the jail term a serious deterrent.
Compensation for Victims and Societal Goals
Apart from punishment, the bill also focuses on support. It aims to offer compensation to women harmed by polygamous marriages. The government recognises that these women often suffer deep pain and hardship. Chief Minister Sarma framed the legislation as a necessary step “to save the society from the scourge of such practices.” The stated objective is to streamline society and protect women’s dignity within marital institutions.
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Is a “Love Jihad” Law Next?
The announcement of the anti-polygamy bill came with another major update. When asked about a possible law on the debated term “love jihad,” the Chief Minister said that work on such a bill has also begun. This indicates the government’s wider plan to regulate interfaith relationships and marriage, suggesting the polygamy bill may be only the first in a set of new laws on personal relationships in the state.
