Assam Passes Polygamy Ban Bill, 2025

The Assam Legislative Assembly has approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, formally criminalising polygamous marriages across most parts of the state. The move has been framed by the government as a measure to protect women’s rights and an initial milestone towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in future.

Main Features Of The Polygamy Ban Bill

The law defines polygamy as entering into a second marriage while a valid first marriage still exists and has not been legally dissolved. Individuals found guilty of such an offence can face imprisonment of up to seven years. If a person hides an existing marriage and proceeds to remarry, the punishment may extend to ten years along with a fine. Repeat offenders may receive double the prescribed punishment for every subsequent violation.

Exemptions And Scope Of The Law

The Act applies across Assam but does not extend to areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution or to members of Scheduled Tribes. These regions and groups have distinct customary practices and enjoy constitutional autonomy. The exemption has sparked a conversation around uniformity, with some viewing it as a necessary safeguard for tribal rights while others question its compatibility with broader civil law reforms.

Penalties For Abetment And Support For Victim Women

The Bill includes penalties for individuals who abet or facilitate polygamous marriages. Village heads, qazis, guardians or any person who knowingly conceals facts may face up to two years’ imprisonment and fines. Those who solemnise marriages in violation of the Act can also be punished. A key provision focuses on compensation for women affected by polygamous marriages, acknowledging the social and financial hardships they endure.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 criminalises second marriages conducted during the validity of a first marriage.
• Violations can lead to imprisonment of up to seven years, or ten years if the first marriage is concealed.
• The Act excludes Sixth Schedule areas and Scheduled Tribes from its ambit.
• The Bill is positioned as an initial step towards introducing a Uniform Civil Code in Assam.

Political Significance And UCC Roadmap

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Bill aims to uphold women’s dignity and legal protection, asserting that women’s rights will not be compromised under any circumstances. He also reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a UCC in the first assembly session if his party returns to power. The passage of the Bill has therefore become both a legislative shift and a political signal ahead of the upcoming state elections.