Assam bans polygamy: up to 7 years, abettors face penalties
Assam bans polygamy: up to 7 years, abettors face penalties
Assam passes a bill banning polygamy with penalties up to seven years, plus tougher rules for concealing marriages and abettors, amid talks of UCC alignment.
The Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, making polygamy a criminal offence with penalties including up to seven years in prison. The bill covers people from Hindu, Muslim, Christian and all other communities, while exempting those in the Scheduled Tribes category and areas under the Sixth Schedule. The chief minister said the move is to push toward uniform civil practices while reiterating it is not aimed at any religion.
The bill also includes a provision that concealing a previous marriage can attract up to 10 years of imprisonment, and those found supporting or abetting polygamy — such as priests or guardians — could face up to two years in jail. Officials described the offence as non-cognizable, meaning arrests will not automatically grant bail, signaling stricter enforcement.
There is also a stated commitment to a future measure against deceptive marriages, with a bill expected to be introduced in the session in February next year. The government noted that compensation to the victim may be provided in related provisions.
The move was announced after cabinet approval and followed a public message from the chief minister at a launch event in Guwahati, where he stressed the legislation is not against Islam and is part of broader discussions around a Uniform Civil Code.
Experts say the bill’s scope and exemptions for ST and Sixth Schedule areas will be closely watched as it moves through possible legal challenges and further clarifications in the assembly.
Cover image source: Assam Assembly passes Bill to ban polygamy 🔗
