Guwahati, Assam, November 27, 2025 – The Assam Assembly has passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, effectively outlawing polygamy in the state, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma promising to bring a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if re-elected in the next assembly polls. The bill, which was tabled on November 25, 2025, the first day of the winter session, excludes Sixth Schedule areas and Scheduled Tribes from its purview.
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, defines polygamy as marrying another person while either party has a valid, existing marriage, or a living spouse from whom they are not legally divorced, or whose marriage has not been annulled. Anyone entering into a polygamous marriage will face imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine. If the earlier marriage is deliberately concealed from the subsequent spouse, the punishment increases to 10 years' imprisonment along with a fine. Repeat offenders are liable to double the punishment for subsequent offenses.
Furthermore, the bill states that village chiefs, Quazis, parents, or legal guardians who dishonestly or fraudulently conceal information and intentionally take part in the performance or solemnization of a polygamous marriage shall be punished with imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Priests or Quazis solemnizing such marriages may face up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of up to ₹1.5 lakh.
Chief Minister Sarma clarified that the law is not against Islam and aims to promote true Islamic practices. He stated that many Muslim-majority countries have restricted or banned polygamy. Sarma emphasized that the legislation is meant to safeguard the rights of women, irrespective of religion. He added that the bill would cover people from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and all other societies.
The new law prescribes a maximum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment for offenders and up to two years’ imprisonment for parents, priests, quazis, and others who facilitate such marriages. Convicted individuals will be barred from public employment, government-aided schemes, and contesting local elections in Assam. Additionally, the bill empowers police officers to intervene, inspect premises, and prevent the solemnization of polygamous marriages. Women who are victims of illegal polygamous marriages will be provided with financial compensation.
Opposition parties, including Raizor Dal and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), opposed the bill, arguing that polygamy is already prohibited under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and that Assam does not require a separate law. AIUDF's Aminul Islam claimed that the bill violates some articles of the Constitution.
Following the passage of the bill, Chief Minister Sarma pledged to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam if he is re-elected in the next assembly polls, which are expected to be held early next year. He assured the House that if the NDA retains power, it would bring UCC in the first session of the Assembly. Sarma also mentioned plans to introduce a law against deceptive marriage by February.
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, marks a significant step towards securing legal protection and justice for women in the state. It reflects the Assam government's commitment to women's rights and gender equality, aligning with similar measures taken by other states in India.
