Assam Lawmakers Pass Historic Anti-Polygamy Bill

GUWAHATI — The Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, marking a major legal reform move aimed at outlawing polygamous marriages across the state. The legislation criminalises entering into a second marriage while the first marriage remains valid and not legally dissolved, or concealing an existing spouse at the time of a subsequent marriage.

Under the new law, individuals found guilty of polygamy may face up to seven years’ imprisonment for a first offence; if an existing marriage is concealed, the penalty may extend up to ten years along with a possible fine. Convicted persons will also be declared ineligible for public employment funded or aided by the Assam government, benefits under state-sponsored schemes, and for contesting elections.

However, the bill includes a major exemption: it will not apply to persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and areas governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, thereby preserving customary laws in tribal regions such as the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and certain hill districts.

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Ahead of the bill’s passage, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who tabled the legislation, said it applies “irrespective of religion” and is not targeted against any specific community. He added that a genuine Muslim who respects the spirit of monogamy would welcome the law.

Sarma also linked the bill to a broader push for personal-law reforms, stating that if his party returns to power in the next election, the state will attempt to implement a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He indicated that a bill against “deceptive marriages” may follow soon.

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Proponents of the bill argue it strengthens women’s rights, protects marital sanctity, and ends legal loopholes that allow bigamy. They see it as a step toward equality and accountability across all communities. The bill also includes provisions for compensation to women victims affected by unlawful polygamous marriages.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the exemption for tribal areas and STs, arguing that it may perpetuate legal inequality and leave customary practices beyond scrutiny. How the new law balances cultural sensitivities while ensuring justice and uniform protection remains to be seen.

The Assam government says the bill will next require the Governor’s assent. Once signed, the enforcement date and rules under the new law will be notified by the state.