In a major move reshaping Assam’s personal law landscape, the state Assembly on November 27, 2025, passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025. The new legislation officially criminalises polygamy and introduces strict penalties for offenders. It also carries sweeping social implications for communities across the state.
What the Bill Defines as Polygamy
According to the Bill, polygamy includes entering into a new marriage while having a living spouse. This also applies if a person is legally separated but not divorced, or if a previous marriage has not been dissolved or annulled, and an appeal is still pending. The Bill also includes a provision for financial compensation to women who are victims of illegal polygamous marriages.
Penalties and Punishments Under New Law
The law imposes up to 7 years’ imprisonment for individuals entering into polygamous marriages. Those who conceal information about an existing spouse at the time of a new marriage face stricter punishment of up to 10 years in prison. The Bill also disqualifies convicted individuals from government employment, government-funded schemes, and contesting elections in Assam.
Action Against Abettors and Repeat Offenders
Apart from direct offenders, the Bill prescribes penalties for individuals who abet polygamous marriages, including parents, village authorities, and religious functionaries.
Those who participate in solemnising or concealing information about such marriages may face up to 2 years’ imprisonment. The Bill also proposes stricter punishments for repeat offenders, although the exact enhancements will be detailed separately.
ST and Sixth Schedule Areas Exempted
The Bill specifically excludes individuals belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST) and areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, such as the Bodoland Territorial Region, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong.
Empowering Police Action
Polygamy is now a cognisable criminal offence in Assam. This allows police officers to arrest suspects without a warrant and begin investigations immediately upon receiving a complaint. The state will also appoint an authority to decide compensation for affected women.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Clarifies
During the Bill’s passage, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the legislation is uniform and not directed at any particular community.
✅ Ban on Polygamy
✅ Ban on Child MarriageNext, we will move towards securing equal rights for both men and women, empowering the women of Assam in the truest sense.
God willing, this journey of reform will continue with even greater resolve. pic.twitter.com/WPJyhoTJlR
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 27, 2025
Political Reactions and Future Commitments
Despite Sarma’s request for unanimous approval, the AIUDF and CPI(M) moved amendments, which were rejected by voice vote. AIUDF’s Aminul Islam claimed the Bill violates certain constitutional provisions. However, Sarma promised that if he returns as Chief Minister next year, he will introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Assembly’s first session.
