Guwahati, Assam: The Assam Assembly has passed a historic bill aimed at banning polygamy. This law is being considered a major step towards ending the practice of polygamy in the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has described this bill as the first step towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. Under the 'Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill-2025', if a person is found guilty of polygamy, he can be punished with imprisonment of up to seven years. Along with this, the law also includes a provision for compensation of up to ₹1.40 lakh to the aggrieved party.
CM Sarma said this is the first step towards UCC
The bill was discussed extensively in the Assembly before being passed. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the law is not just aimed at preventing polygamy, but at achieving a broader objective. "The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025," declared CM Sarma, "is the first step towards introducing a new law in the state, similar to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly." Demonstrating political will, he further stated that if he is re-elected to power in Assam, he will introduce the UCC in the first session.
Stringent punishment and fine provisions
The bill clearly defines "polygamy." Polygamy refers to a marriage where one of the parties has already been legally married, or the spouse is still alive, and they have not been legally divorced, or their marriage has not been legally annulled or declared void. The bill proposes that polygamy be considered a punishable offense. Those found guilty can face up to seven years in prison and a fine. Furthermore, the law includes another stringent provision: If a person marries a second time while concealing their existing marriage, they can be punished with 10 years in prison and a fine. These provisions reflect the state government's intention to eradicate this evil practice.
Exemptions granted to certain communities
According to reports, the provisions of this bill will not apply to areas under the Sixth Schedule and to members of any Scheduled Tribe (ST). This exemption is intended to respect the traditional and cultural practices of these specific regions and communities until the state enacts a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The bill's primary objective is to prevent and eradicate the practices of polygamy and polyandry in the state, thereby providing social and legal protection to women. Following the approval of Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Chief Minister Sarma, who also holds the portfolios of Home and Political Affairs, introduced the 'Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025'.
CM Sarma finally reiterated that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the state elections next year, the UCC Bill, which will be an extension of the Polygamy Prohibition Act, will be passed in its first assembly session.
PC:Udaipurvocals
