Assam Assembly passes bill banning polygamy

Guwahati: The Assam Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, making polygamy a punishable offence with a maximum imprisonment of 10 years, while exempting Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities and areas under the Sixth Schedule.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds the home and political portfolios, clarified that the law applies irrespective of religion and is “not against Islam as being perceived by a section of society.” He added, “The Hindus are not free from polygamy. That’s also our responsibility. This bill will cover people from Hindu, Muslim, Christian and all other societies.”

Despite the Chief Minister’s appeal to opposition members to withdraw their proposed amendments to pass the bill unanimously and send a strong message empowering women, AIUDF and CPI(M) moved their modification suggestions, which were defeated by a voice vote.

On the subject of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Sarma said it will be implemented in Assam if he returns as Chief Minister after the assembly elections next year. “I assure the House that if I return as CM, the UCC bill will be tabled in the first session of the new government and implemented,” he said.

Sarma described the polygamy ban as a step towards implementing the UCC. He also announced that a bill against deceptive marriages will be introduced during the current session by the end of February, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing issues related to “love-jihad.” Earlier this month, the CM had stated that the government would ban love-jihad and introduce a related legislation.

With PTI inputs