The Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, introducing strict punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years for contracting a second marriage.
Speaking in the Assembly after the bill was tabled, Assam Chief Minister 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 Turkey 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 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 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 NariShakti,” he wrote.
(ANI)