Assam Passes Historic Bill Criminalising Polygamy With Jail Term And Compensation Provision

New Delhi: The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 defines polygamy as entering into a marriage while already legally married or when the previous spouse is alive without divorce or annulment. The legislation makes such actions a punishable offence. Convicted individuals may face up to seven years in prison along with fines. Authorities believe this will deter unlawful marital practices and protect victims.

What Is The Enhanced Punishment For Concealed Marriages?

If a person intentionally hides an existing marriage to enter a second marriage, the bill allows for more severe action. The penalty may extend up to 10 years of imprisonment accompanied by financial fines. Lawmakers state this provision targets deceptive conduct that leads to psychological and financial exploitation. The compensation amount payable to victims has been set at Rs.1.40 lakh.

Who Is Exempt From This Law?

According to official details, the bill does not apply to areas governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, Scheduled Tribe (ST) members are exempt. Legislators clarified that cultural and customary practices among tribal communities remain unaffected. The primary intent of the bill is to eliminate polygamy where it violates statutory and civil marriage norms.

What Did CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Say?

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the legislation as the first step towards implementing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam. He declared that if his government returns to power in the next state assembly elections, the UCC will be passed in the very first assembly session. Sarma called the bill a "bold and necessary decision for gender justice and social harmony."

Why Is This Bill Considered Historic?

The legislation is being hailed as a milestone due to its strict legal framework against marital exploitation. It introduces both imprisonment and compensation, making it one of the most robust state-level interventions in family law. Assembly discussions stressed that the ban on polygamy aims to protect the rights of women and promote monogamous marital practices. Political and legal experts have termed it a transformative reform.