Assam Tables Bill to Ban Polygamy; Proposes Jail for Offenders

In a significant move towards personal law reform and women’s rights protection, the Assam government introduced The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 in the Assembly on November 25, 2025. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled the bill, fulfilling a promise made in 2023 to eliminate polygamy through legislation. This action follows Assam’s earlier initiative to conduct a statewide survey on polygamy in 2023, which indicated the need for a legal framework. The bill reflects Assam’s approach to tackling gender inequality and misuse of personal laws, particularly where polygamy has caused distress among women.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill seeks to criminalise polygamy and impose strict penalties for offenders.

Definition of Polygamy: Marrying or being married to another person while an existing legal marriage still subsists and is not annulled or dissolved by divorce.

Punishment for First Offence

• Up to 7 years imprisonment
• Fine as decided by the court

Punishment for Concealing Existing Marriage

• Up to 10 years imprisonment
• Fine (amount not specified in the bill)

Repeat Offence

• Double the punishment prescribed for the previous offence

Compensation Clause

• Victimised women will be eligible for compensation under the bill

Applicability and Exemptions

The law will apply statewide in Assam, but includes clear exemptions to safeguard tribal customs,

Not applicable in Sixth Schedule areas

These include autonomous regions like Bodoland Territorial Region, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao, which have special governance under the Constitution.

Scheduled Tribes Exempted

Members of Scheduled Tribes (STs) as defined under Article 342 of the Constitution will not fall under the purview of this law.

Applies to Residents Marrying Outside the State

If a person ordinarily residing in Assam enters into a polygamous marriage outside the state after the law comes into force, they will still be held accountable under this law.

Additional Penal Measures

The bill proposes penalties for people who aid, abet, or conceal polygamous marriages,

Village Heads, Qazis, Parents or Guardians,

If found intentionally concealing facts or participating in a polygamous marriage,

• Up to 2 years in jail
• Fine up to ₹1 lakh

Persons Solemnising an Illegal Marriage

If a person knowingly conducts or formalises a polygamous marriage,

• Up to 2 years in jail
• Fine up to ₹1.5 lakh

Civic Restrictions After Conviction

Any person convicted under this law will face civic disqualifications,

• Ineligibility for Public Employment
• Disqualification from State-Aided Schemes

Prohibition from Contesting Local Body Elections, including,

• Panchayati Raj Institutions
• Urban Local Bodies

Static Facts

• Bill Name: The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025
• Introduced by: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Date Introduced: November 25, 2025
• First-time punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment
• If marriage concealed: Up to 10 years imprisonment
• Repeat offence: Double the previous punishment
• Exempted areas: Sixth Schedule areas
• Exempted communities: Scheduled Tribes under Article 342