Marking a landmark moment in Assam’s legal and social reform journey, the State Assembly recently approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025. The legislation paves the way by introducing stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years for those contracting a second marriage.
Speaking in the Assembly after the Bill was tabled, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma cited the example of Türkiye to justify the need for the legislation. He said the bill is “not against Islam” and urged people to support it and “be a true Muslim.”
“Islam cannot promote polygamy. If this bill passes, then you will get a chance to be a true Muslim. This bill is not against Islam. True Islamic people will welcome this Act. Countries like Turkiye have also banned polygamy; there is an arbitration council in Pakistan,” the Chief Minister said.
The bill, passed by the Assam Assembly, seeks to prohibit and eliminate the practice of polygamy and polygamous marriages in the State, along with matters connected and incidental to it.
The draft law will apply across Assam, except in the Sixth Schedule areas, and to members of any Scheduled Tribe as defined under Clause (25) of Article 366, read with Article 342 of the Constitution of India.
The legislation proposes a seven-year imprisonment for offenders involved in unlawful polygamy and a ten-year imprisonment for concealing a previous marriage.
Additionally, under the new Act, women in illegal marriages will be entitled to compensation and legal protection. Offenders involved in repeated violence will face stricter penalties.
“The Gaonburah, Village Head, Quazi, parents or legal guardians of the contracting party of a polygamous marriage who dishonestly or fraudulently hide or intentionally take part in the performance or solemnisation of such a marriage shall be punished with imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh,” the bill states.
After the Bill was passed, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X, said it marked “a strong stride towards justice for our Nari Shakti.”
“Assam moves with resolve. Women’s rights will not be compromised. Through the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025, we secure legal protection, strict penalties and real accountability. A strong stride towards justice for our Nari Shakti,” he wrote.
Lauding the Government’s initiative, Chairperson of Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Dr. Shyamal Saikia while speaking to Asom Barta said, “The Government of Assam under the able leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a timely decision for Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025 which aimed at prohibiting as well as eliminating practices of polygamy and polygamous marriage in Assam.”
He, however, added the process may take a few months to practically execute because the President of India Smt Draupadi Murmu will have to give her assent for enforcement of the bill in the State.
“This bill would be definitely helpful especially to women, the legal wife of each and every person, also control birth rates and enhance the economy of the family,” Saikia stated.
Saikia extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister for such noble endeavours.
Kritanjali Kashyap, Manager, Assam & NE of Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children), welcomed the passage of the bill, highlighting its potential impact on vulnerable women and children.
“This is a significant step toward safeguarding women and children who often bear the brunt of polygamous households. Many children growing up in such arrangements face insecurity, neglect and limited access to resources,” Kashyap told this reporter. “By putting legal safeguards in place, the Government is not only protecting women’s rights but also strengthening the overall child protection ecosystem. A stable family structure directly contributes to a child’s emotional, social and educational well-being.”
Kashyap added that the legislation, once implemented, will create greater accountability and help reduce exploitative practices, “The bill will encourage communities to adopt a more equitable family system and empower women to seek legal remedies without fear,” she said.
