In a watershed moment for Assam’s legal and social framework, the state assembly on Thursday approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, a sweeping piece of legislation that criminalises polygamy and introduces some of the toughest penalties in the region. The Bill—now headed to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent—has been hailed by the government as a decisive step towards safeguarding women’s rights and dismantling practices that have long caused social and economic harm to vulnerable communities.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking on the floor of the House, framed the Bill as part of a broader reform agenda. Reiterating his stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he declared, “If I come back to power, I will introduce the Uniform Civil Code in the first session. Stop me if you can. If you cannot, the UCC will be brought to this House.”
(Quote credited to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Assembly speech.)

What the Bill Proposes

Under the newly passed law:

• Entering a second marriage without legally ending the first can attract up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine.

• Repeat offenders—or individuals who conceal an existing marriage—may face up to 10 years in jail.

• Those who knowingly solemnise such marriages can also be punished with up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₹1.5 lakh.

• A victim compensation clause has been included for the first time to support women affected by illegal marriages.

The Bill defines polygamy as having more than one spouse while a previous marriage remains valid or undissolved.

Sarma: “We Are Biased Towards Our Mothers and Sisters”

Defending the legislation, Sarma insisted that the move was not religiously driven. “Women's empowerment is a declared policy of the BJP government. We are biased towards our mothers and sisters,” he said. Calling the Bill “a tribute to the oppressed women after so many years of independence,” he argued that child marriage and polygamy have deprived countless women of agency and dignity.

Offering examples of social realities, the Chief Minister said, “Many girls become mothers by 12. A 60-year-old man marries an 18-year-old girl because society lets him. We are giving rights to the oppressed women through this legislation.”
He emphasised that harmful practices exist across communities: “Hindus are also not free from polygamy… We are not targeting any religion.”

Exemptions and Constitutional Limits

The law, however, does not extend to Scheduled Tribes or Sixth Schedule areas, including BTR, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong. Sarma explained the reason: “Assam Legislative Assembly cannot make laws without the concurrence of BTC, KAAC and NCHAC. I hope they will bring similar legislation in their respective areas.”

Push for UCC and Future Reforms

Responding to AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, the Chief Minister reiterated that the UCC would be brought “minus Sixth Schedule areas” if the BJP returns to power in 2026. He also hinted at potential future changes—raising the minimum marriage age for women to 21, ensuring equal divorce rights, and tackling “deceptive marriages”.

Rejecting claims that the Bill targets Muslims, Sarma argued, “Islam cannot promote polygamy. This Bill is not against Islam. True Islamic people will welcome it.” He noted that Islamic law requires the consent of the first wife for a second marriage but added, “Which wife will allow it? Consent is often manipulated or hidden.” He further stated, “In Islam, monogamy is the rule and polygamy is the exception.”

Opposition Pushes Amendments—All Defeated

Although the Chief Minister appealed for unanimity, the AIUDF and CPI(M) moved amendments, which were rejected through a voice vote.