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Assam Polygamy Ban: Assam Assembly has passed a historic bill imposing a complete ban on polygamy. Now, if you commit more than one marriage in the state, you can be jailed for up to 10 years. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma made it clear that this law will apply to all religions, but tribals have been exempted from it. If found guilty, you will not get a government job. CM has also promised to bring law on UCC and Love Jihad soon.
Guwahati: In Assam, there is now a legal ban on polygamy i.e. marrying more than one person. The Assembly has passed ‘Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025’. If found guilty under this, there can be a jail term of up to 10 years. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma made it clear that this law is not against any religion. This will apply equally to both Hindus and Muslims. However, Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Sixth Schedule areas have been kept out of it. The CM announced in the Assembly that if he comes to power again next year, he will also implement UCC. This bill is being considered a big step towards empowering women. The opposition had asked for some amendments but they were rejected by voice vote. In this bill, polygamy has been considered a serious crime. If a person marries a second wife while still having his first wife, he will be punished.
According to the bill, a person practicing polygamy can be jailed for up to seven years. Besides this, fine will also have to be paid. If someone hides his first marriage and marries a second one, the punishment will be more severe. In such cases, there is a provision of 10 years of jail and fine. If a person commits this crime repeatedly, he will get double the punishment every time. Second marriage without divorce is considered illegal in law.
Himanta’s big announcement on UCC and Love Jihad
- During the passing of the bill, CM Himanta said a big thing on UCC. He assured the House that he was committed to bringing UCC. Elections are to be held in Assam in March-April next year. The CM said that if his government returns, the UCC bill will be introduced in the very first session.
- He called the ban on polygamy a step in the direction of UCC. Apart from this, he also talked about bringing a law on ‘Love Jihad’. He said that a bill against fraudulent marriages would be brought by the end of February.
- The CM gave a befitting reply to the opposition’s allegations. He said that this law is not against Islam as some people are believing. He said that there is a problem of polygamy among Hindus also and it is our responsibility. This bill will be applicable to all Hindu, Muslim and Christian societies.
- AIUDF and CPM had demanded changes in the bill. CPM MLA Manoranjan Talukdar had demanded to send it to the select committee. But the government did not accept these demands and got the bill passed.
- Not only the people who get married but also the ones who get married will come under the ambit of this law. If any Qazi, village head or parents are involved in this then they will also be measured. Hiding facts or knowingly indulging in polygamy can lead to a jail term of two years.
- Also, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh can be imposed. If someone knowingly arranges a marriage which is against the law. So he will also have to undergo two years imprisonment and pay a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Tribal people get exemption but law will apply to everyone else, Government takes strict action to stop polygamy in Assam.
Convicts will be out of government jobs and schemes
This law will also affect the future of the guilty person. If a person is found guilty of polygamy, he will not get a government job. He shall not be entitled to any public appointment maintained by the State Government. Not only this, he will not even get the benefits of government schemes. Such people will not be able to contest elections for Panchayat or urban local bodies. The bill also talks about giving compensation to the victimized women. The government believes that women have to suffer greatly due to polygamy.
Who has got the exemption?
The government has kept some sections out of this law. This law will not apply to people belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Apart from this, areas falling under the Sixth Schedule have also been kept out of it. This decision has been taken keeping in mind tribal traditions and their special rights. This law will be valid with immediate effect for all other citizens.
