Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025: The Assam Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, making polygamy a punishable offence with imprisonment of up to 10 years, while exempting Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities and areas under the Sixth Schedule. The landmark bill is being positioned by the state government as a step toward gender justice and future implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who piloted the bill, stressed that the new law is “irrespective of religion and not against Islam as being perceived by a section.” Emphasising its universal application, he said, “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 Sarma’s appeal for unanimous passage, opposition parties AIUDF and CPI(M) pressed ahead with their proposed amendments, which were eventually defeated through a voice vote. The bill was passed without modifications.
What is the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025
The Bill also prescribes penalties for religious functionaries such as priests or qazis who knowingly solemnise such marriages. It further extends punishment to parents, guardians, village heads and other local authorities who conceal or participate in the ceremony, with imprisonment of up to two years and fines of up to ₹1.5 lakh.
However, the legislation excludes Assam’s tribal population and regions governed under the Sixth Schedule, including the Bodoland Territorial Region, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. Scheduled Tribe communities will remain outside the Bill’s purview.
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Significantly, the proposed law classifies polygamy as a cognizable criminal offence, defining it as entering a marriage while having a living spouse, being legally unseparated, or while a previous marriage remains undissolved. Repeat offenders face double the prescribed punishment.
The Bill also introduces socio-economic consequences: anyone convicted will be deemed ineligible for government-funded employment, state schemes, or contesting elections in Assam. Additionally, the government will designate an authority to consider financial compensation for women identified as “victims” of polygamous marriages.
Notably, the Bill extends its applicability beyond Assam’s borders. Any resident who enters a polygamous marriage outside the state after the Act comes into force will also face prosecution.
Himanta Biswa Sarma on UCC
Sarma reiterated that the legislation marks a clear direction toward introducing a UCC in Assam. “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 will be implemented,” he said.
In a further policy push, the chief minister announced a forthcoming bill against “deceptive marriage”, expected by February-end. “Whatever we have spoken about love-jihad, we will do that,” Sarma stated, reaffirming the government’s earlier declaration to bring legislation targeting such cases.
With the Assembly elections less than a year away, the passage of the polygamy ban adds a decisive socio-legal edge to Assam’s evolving political landscape.
