Assam Assembly passes polygamy prohibition bill 2025

Guwahati: The Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Polygamy Prohibition Bill–2025, a significant legislation aimed at criminalizing polygamy in the state. The bill, piloted by Chief Minister and Home Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was introduced in the Assembly on Tuesday and cleared after detailed discussion.

According to the bill, entering into multiple marriages without legally dissolving the previous one will now be treated as a criminal offence. The proposed law prescribes up to seven years of imprisonment and a monetary fine for anyone found guilty of engaging in polygamy. Officials noted that the bill seeks to reinforce the sanctity of lawful marriage and prevent misuse of personal laws to justify multiple unions.

The legislation defines polygamy as marrying another person while already being legally married, without obtaining a valid divorce or annulment. “The intention of the bill is to eliminate polygamous marriages and ensure that marital relationships remain legally accountable,” the draft states.

It also emphasizes safeguarding the rights of spouses who may be adversely affected by such practices. However, the bill exempts certain groups and regions. Areas falling under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, along with communities categorized as Scheduled Tribes (ST), have been kept outside the ambit of this new legislation.

The government stated that these exemptions were made to respect the socio-cultural practices preserved under constitutional protections.

The passage of the bill marks a major step in the Assam government’s ongoing push for social reforms, aligned with its earlier initiatives addressing child marriage and personal law regulations. With the Assembly’s approval, the bill is expected to bring significant changes to marital norms and legal accountability in the state.

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