In a historic move that marks a significant step toward legal reform, the Assam Legislative Assembly has passed a comprehensive bill to ban polygamy across the state. The landmark legislation, introduced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to establish uniform marriage laws and protect women's rights.
What the Assam Polygamy Bill Entails
The Assam Legislative Assembly approved the groundbreaking bill on February 11, 2025, following extensive discussions and review by a high-level expert committee. The legislation explicitly prohibits polygamy, making it illegal for any person to have more than one spouse at the same time.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the bill represents a crucial step toward implementing uniform civil code principles in the state. The legislation includes provisions that declare any marriage solemnized in violation of the polygamy ban as void, meaning such marriages will have no legal recognition or protection.
Exemptions and Special Provisions
While the bill establishes a comprehensive ban on polygamy, it includes specific exemptions for certain communities. The legislation does not apply to tribal communities protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, recognizing their distinct cultural and traditional practices.
Additionally, the bill contains a grandfather clause that protects existing polygamous marriages from retrospective application. This means that marriages entered into before the legislation comes into effect will not be invalidated, though no new polygamous marriages will be permitted once the law is implemented.
Implementation and Next Steps
The Assam government has outlined a clear timeline for implementing the polygamy ban. The legislation is expected to come into effect after receiving the Governor's assent and completing necessary procedural formalities. The government has indicated that the law will be enforced prospectively, affecting only marriages conducted after its implementation.
Authorities plan to establish mechanisms for registration and verification of marriages to ensure compliance with the new regulations. The legislation also includes provisions for penalties against those who attempt to enter into polygamous marriages after the ban takes effect.
This legislative move follows extensive consultations with legal experts, religious leaders, and community representatives. The Assam government has positioned this reform as part of its broader agenda to promote gender equality and modernize family laws in the state.
The passage of this bill makes Assam one of the pioneering states in India to take concrete legislative action toward implementing uniform civil code principles, potentially setting a precedent for other states considering similar reforms.
