Assam Cabinet Approves Polygamy Prohibition Bill

GUWAHATI-  The Assam Cabinet on Sunday approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, a landmark legislative move aimed at banning polygamy across all non–Sixth Schedule communities in the state. The bill—slated for introduction in the Legislative Assembly on November 25—seeks to make polygamy a cognizable, non-bailable offense, punishable with up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fines.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting, described the bill as a cornerstone of the state’s agenda to promote gender equality and family stability.

“This bill is not just about prohibition; it is about ensuring justice for women who have suffered silently for generations,” he said. Sarma stressed that the legislation will apply universally, irrespective of religious affiliation, while exempting communities in Sixth Schedule tribal areas in recognition of distinct customary practices.

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The draft legislation also includes provisions for victim compensation, streamlined divorce procedures, and legal safeguards intended to support women affected by polygamous marriages. According to officials, the proposal underwent months of consultation with legal experts, civil society organisations, and community representatives.

Sarma, who has championed uniform civil reforms since taking office, framed the bill within a broader narrative of demographic stability and cultural preservation. He cited parallels with similar laws in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, positioning Assam as part of a nationwide movement toward gender-just personal laws.

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While women’s rights advocates have welcomed the bill as a progressive milestone, critics say the move risks deepening communal fault lines. Several Muslim leaders and opposition parties argue that the bill intrudes into matters governed by personal laws.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate called the proposal “politically motivated” and cautioned against “interference in religious freedoms under the guise of progress.” Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have urged the state to build robust safeguards against misuse, particularly in rural areas where documentation and legal awareness are limited.

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The timing of the bill—coinciding with the upcoming winter session of the Assembly—suggests a contentious debate ahead, with legislators already engaged in discussions on land rights, interfaith marriages, and the broader question of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). If passed, Assam would become one of the few Indian states to explicitly criminalize polygamy, potentially influencing national-level conversations on personal law reform.

For now, the bill’s approval marks a pivotal moment in Assam’s social policy trajectory. As preparations intensify for its assembly debut later this month, stakeholders across political, legal, and community spheres are bracing for an intense legislative contest—one that could reshape marital norms and gender rights discourse in the Northeast for years to come.