Guwahati, Nov 27, 2025: The Assam Assembly has passed a landmark legislation to ban polygamy in the state, making it a punishable offence with strict penalties. The move, aimed at ensuring social justice and gender equality, introduces prison terms of up to 10 years for concealing previous marriages and up to seven years for unlawful polygamous relationships. The new law, officially titled the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, also imposes penalties on abettors, including religious priests and guardians, marking a comprehensive approach to curb polygamous practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the legislation is religion-neutral, extending to Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and members of other faiths. “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,” he said. Sarma clarified that the law is not targeted at any specific religion and is instead a step toward implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.

Scope of the Bill

The bill explicitly criminalizes polygamous relationships outside the provisions of personal laws and requires full disclosure of any prior marriages. Concealing a prior marriage carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, while engaging in an unlawful polygamous union may lead to seven years in jail. The legislation further specifies that individuals arrested under its provisions will not be granted immediate bail, as the offence is classified as non-cognizable, reflecting the seriousness with which the Assam government views violations.

In addition to primary offenders, the bill holds abettors accountable, including priests, guardians, and intermediaries who facilitate or encourage polygamous unions. Those found guilty of abetting polygamy may face up to two years of imprisonment, creating a deterrent against involvement in or promotion of unlawful marriages. Stricter penalties are also stipulated for repeat offenders, reinforcing the state’s zero-tolerance approach.

Exemptions and Special Provisions

Certain communities and regions have been exempted from the law. The bill does not apply to Scheduled Tribes (STs)or areas governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, recognizing the customary practices and social structures prevalent among tribal populations. These exemptions ensure that traditional practices of indigenous communities are not disrupted while enforcing the law across the general population.

Legislative and Social Context

The move comes as part of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma’s broader legislative agenda, which includes measures aimed at regulating marriage practices and preventing deception in matrimonial matters. The chief minister indicated that a bill against deceptive marriages will be introduced in the assembly in February next year, alongside previously announced measures addressing the controversial “love jihad” debate.

This legislative step reflects Assam’s commitment to gender justice and the protection of women’s rights, ensuring that individuals are not coerced or deceived into polygamous relationships. It also aligns with national discussions on uniform civil law, seeking to standardize marriage-related laws and eliminate disparities arising from religious and community-specific practices.

Reactions and Implications

The announcement has generated significant attention across Assam and beyond. Legal analysts note that while polygamy is prohibited under certain personal laws for specific communities, enforcement has been sporadic, and cases of concealment of prior marriages often went undetected. By criminalizing such acts explicitly, Assam positions itself at the forefront of progressive legislative reforms concerning marriage, family law, and women’s protection.

Civil society groups have welcomed the legislation, noting that it could help protect women from exploitation and ensure transparency in marital relationships. Experts suggest that holding abettors accountable could have a far-reaching impact, discouraging intermediaries and religious authorities from facilitating illegal unions for personal gain or social pressure.

Steps Ahead

Following cabinet approval, the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, will be formally tabled in the upcoming assembly session. Enforcement mechanisms are expected to involve coordination between local police, district administration, and civil authorities to identify cases of concealed marriages and prevent unlawful unions. Public awareness campaigns are likely to accompany the rollout of the law, aiming to educate citizens about the new legal provisions and consequences of violations.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the legislation represents a progressive step toward modernizing Assam’s social and legal framework. He said, “This is not against any religion. Our goal is to uphold justice, ensure transparency in marital relations, and protect women from unlawful practices. The legislation is a reflection of Assam’s commitment to equality and rule of law.”

Wider Significance

The Assam law also contributes to the ongoing national debate about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which proposes standardizing personal laws across all religions in India. By implementing a religion-neutral ban on polygamy, Assam is providing a blueprint for other states considering similar reforms, balancing respect for cultural traditions with the imperative of gender equality and legal accountability.

In summary, the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, represents a significant milestone in the state’s legal landscape. With stringent punishments for primary offenders and abettors, explicit exemptions for tribal communities, and alignment with broader national reforms, the legislation seeks to end unlawful polygamous practices, protect women’s rights, and promote social accountability. By criminalizing concealment of previous marriages and providing clear legal recourse, Assam has taken a definitive step toward ensuring fairness, transparency, and justice in matrimonial matters.

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