Guwahati, November 12, 2025:
In a major policy move aimed at promoting gender equality and social reform, the Assam Cabinet on Tuesday approved the “Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025”, which seeks to ban the practice of polygamy across the state. The proposed law, described as a “historic step toward protecting women’s rights,” will be introduced in the Assam Legislative Assembly during the upcoming winter session on November 25, 2025.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Under the provisions of the proposed legislation:
- Complete Ban on Polygamy:
Any person entering into a marriage while having a living spouse will be committing an offence under the new law. Such marriages will be deemed invalid and punishable. - Cognizable Offence:
The violation will be treated as a cognizable offence, empowering the police to arrest the accused without a warrant. - Punishment:
Individuals found guilty of contracting multiple marriages simultaneously will face rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years along with possible fines. - Protection and Compensation for Victims:
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a special state fund would be created to support women affected by polygamy, providing financial assistance and legal aid. “No woman should suffer emotionally or financially due to a husband’s unlawful actions,” Sarma said during a press briefing in Guwahati.
Exemptions and Constitutional Safeguards
The Bill includes specific exemptions to uphold the cultural and constitutional rights of tribal groups in Assam:
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) Exemption:
Members of Scheduled Tribe communities will be exempted from the provisions of the law. The government clarified that the exemption respects customary tribal laws and traditions, which are protected under Article 371B and other constitutional safeguards. - Sixth Schedule Areas Excluded:
The Bill will not apply to autonomous tribal regions governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. These include the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao districts — regions that enjoy legislative autonomy in matters of personal law and culture.
Objective and Legal Context
The Assam government has described the move as part of its broader effort to promote women’s dignity, equality, and justice. The Chief Minister emphasized that the Bill aims to end exploitation arising from unregulated polygamous relationships and ensure uniform legal protection for women under state law.
Earlier this year, an expert committee led by senior legal scholars was constituted to examine whether the Assam Legislative Assembly has the competence to legislate on personal law matters, especially those touching upon marriage and divorce. The committee’s findings confirmed that the state could enact such a law under Entry 5 of the Concurrent List of the Constitution.
Political and Social Reactions
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from political parties and civil society:
- The ruling BJP government hailed the decision as a progressive reform, aligning it with the state’s ongoing drive against child marriage and social injustice.
- Opposition parties such as the Congress and AIUDF accused the government of using the issue for “political mileage,” while urging it to focus on women’s education and economic empowerment instead.
- Several tribal organizations welcomed the exemption clause, calling it a “sensitive and balanced approach” that respects tribal autonomy.
Women’s rights activists across Assam praised the Bill as a “significant legal milestone”, drawing parallels with the state’s earlier efforts to eradicate child marriage and triple talaq practices.
Next Steps
The Bill will be introduced in the Assam Assembly on November 25, 2025, followed by debate and voting. Once passed, it will require the Governor’s assent before coming into effect as law.
Legal experts suggest that the law, once enacted, may also invite judicial scrutiny, particularly regarding religious freedom and personal law jurisdiction, but the government has expressed confidence that the Bill stands on firm constitutional ground.
Summary:
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 represents a decisive move by the state to abolish polygamy, strengthen women’s rights, and ensure uniform civil protection — while maintaining respect for tribal autonomy and constitutional safeguards.
Sources:
- Assam Government Cabinet Briefing, November 12, 2025
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Press Conference (Guwahati Secretariat)
- Reports from The Hindu, Times of India, Indian Express, Assam Tribune, and NDTV India
- Legal Expert Committee Report on State Competence in Personal Law, 2025
