New Assam Bill Targets ‘Love Jihad’, Parents May Be Arrested

GUWAHATI-  Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced unprecedented legislative measures targeting what the state government terms “love jihad,” including a provision to arrest and prosecute the parents of male accused in such cases.

The proposed law, set to be tabled in the Assam Legislative Assembly session beginning November 25, 2025, marks a significant expansion of anti-conversion legislation in India by extending criminal liability beyond the accused to their family members. Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation

In a statement made on Saturday, October 25, during a women-empowerment scheme event in Lakhipur, Cachar district, Chief Minister Sarma declared that “the parents of the male accused in love-jihad cases will also be liable for arrest under the new law”. This represents a novel and contentious feature not seen in similar anti-conversion laws enacted by other states.

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The Chief Minister framed the legislation as a protective measure, stating, “We want to save our women from traps where they become victims of love-jihad and polygamy. We are bringing stringent laws”.

Under the bill, if any underage girl is lured into marriage, both the boy and his parents will face imprisonment for multiple years. This provision specifically targets cases involving minors, extending beyond the primary accused to include family members who may have facilitated or been aware of such marriages.

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While the complete details await cabinet approval, Chief Minister Sarma indicated during public gatherings that those involved in “love jihad” cases, particularly targeting minors, will face strict legal action extending to their family members. The state government has previously announced plans for life imprisonment in “love jihad” cases, following the model of other BJP-ruled states.

The upcoming assembly session will also consider a separate bill banning polygamy, with offenders facing up to seven years’ imprisonment. During a public meeting in Silchar on Friday, October 24, Chief Minister Sarma announced that “if a man marries more than one woman, he will face up to seven years’ imprisonment”.

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The November 25 assembly session is described as “historic” by Chief Minister Sarma and represents the last full-fledged session before the 2026 state elections. Alongside the “love jihad” and polygamy bills, the government plans to introduce:

The Assam Satra Preservation and Development Board Bill, 2025, approved by the state cabinet on October 16, to protect Vaishnavite monasteries from encroachment