Anti-polygamy bill- Assam
The Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, which aims to ban polygamy in the state. The Bill prohibits individuals from marrying again if they already have a living spouse and have not legally dissolved the prior marriage. The Bill is set to be tabled in the Assam Legislative Assembly on November 25, 2025.
Key provisions of the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025:
- Polygamy is prohibited; marrying again while a spouse is alive and marriage not legally dissolved is banned.
- Violators can face up to 7 years rigorous imprisonment.
- The offence is cognizable, with no immediate bail on arrest.
- Special compensation fund for women impacted by polygamous marriages.
- Exemptions for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Areas under Sixth Schedule.
- Minority Muslim residents in Scheduled Areas before 2005 are also exempt.
Background and rationale:
- The Bill is a social reform initiative aimed at protecting women's rights and promoting lawful, equitable marital relationships.
- It recognizes women in polygamous situations as victims and seeks to mitigate their hardships through compensation.
- The exclusions respect constitutional autonomy and customary practices of tribal and minority communities in Assam.
This legislation marks a significant step in Assam towards uniform marriage laws and social justice, focusing on women's protection and legal clarity in marital practices.
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