Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025

● On November 27, 2025 Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 which criminalises polygamy (entering into a second marriage without the legal dissolution of the first marriage) statewide to promote gender equality and marital accountability.

● It excludes Sixth Schedule areas of Assam state (Bodoland Territorial Area District, the Karbi Anglong District and the Dima Hasao District) and Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 respecting their customary laws.

● Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma framed the bill as a step towards a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam and protection of women against exploitative practices.

● The bill applies uniformly to people from Hindu, Muslim, Christian and all other religious communities across the state irrespective of personal laws. The law does not apply retroactively to pre-existing marriages under valid personal or customary laws.

Key Provisions

● The law criminalizes contracting a new marriage while already having a living spouse or without legal dissolution of the previous marriage, with up to 7 years imprisonment for such marriages.

● Concealing an existing marriage while entering a new one raises the penalty to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine. Repeat offenders face double the punishment prescribed for first time offences.

● Religious officiants (priests, quazis) who knowingly solemnise polygamous marriages and parents, guardians, village heads or locals aiding, concealing or failing to report such face up to 2 years imprisonment or fine up to rupees 1.5 lakh.

● Convicted persons are barred from government jobs, state schemes, and contesting elections in Assam. The law also includes provisions for compensation to women affected by polygamous marriages. Police officers hold proactive authority under the bill to prevent prohibited marriages upon receiving information.

● The Bill extends beyond Assam’s border to include residents of Assam entering into polygamous marriages outside the state and non residents who own property in Assam or benefit from state funded schemes or subsidies.