Assam is preparing to introduce a bill that proposes a jail term of at least seven years for individuals who practice polygamy, regardless of their religious affiliation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday, October 27, 2025, that the bill is slated to be tabled on November 25, coinciding with the commencement of the Assembly's winter session.
The proposed law aims to address the issue of men marrying multiple women simultaneously without legally divorcing their first wife. Sarma has emphasized that this legislation will apply to all citizens of Assam, irrespective of their religion, underscoring the government's commitment to gender equality and the dignity of women. He stated that the government will not permit polygamy, even if some religious interpretations allow it.
The move is part of a broader initiative by the Assam government to reform personal laws and social practices in the state. The government intends to promote gender equality, protect women's rights, and uphold the sanctity of marriage. According to Sarma, the law against polygamy will further empower the government to combat social evils. Assam has already initiated a crackdown on child marriages, arresting over 8,000 people in the past two years.
In addition to the polygamy bill, the Assam government is also planning to introduce bills related to "love jihad" and the protection of Vaishnavite Satras. The term "love jihad" is used by right-wing groups to allege a conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through marriage. The government has also approved the "Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025" which aims to protect Vaishnavite monasteries and secure their lands from encroachment.
The Assam government's decision to outlaw polygamy follows recommendations from an expert committee that examined the legality of such a ban under the Constitution. The government also sought public suggestions on the matter. Once enacted, Assam will be among the few states in India with a specific legal framework criminalizing polygamy. Sarma views this as a step towards establishing social discipline and advancing a uniform civil culture in the state.
During an event in the Cachar district, Sarma also mentioned the state's two-child policy. Women who have more than two children will be excluded from government welfare schemes, including the Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, which provides loans to women through self-help groups.
The Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, was passed to replace the 1935 Act. Under the new bill, the woman must be at least 18 years old and the man 21 years old to get married. It also requires that both parties freely consent to the marriage.
