CM says it’s not anti-Islam: Assam passes anti-polygamy bill with 10-year jail term.

Assam Takes Historic Step: Polygamy Ban Bill Passed with Stringent Penalties and Confinements. Welcomed by Hindu Organisations, Opposed by Muslim Organisations and Political Parties. 

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | Nov 28, 2025:: In a landmark decision, the Assam Assembly has passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, effectively banning polygamous marriages across the state. The bill, introduced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to impose strict penalties on those who enter into or conceal second marriages while the first is still valid.

Under the new law, individuals found guilty of polygamy will face up to 7 years in prison and a fine. Those who conceal existing marriages before entering into another will face even harsher penalties, with up to 10 years of imprisonment. Repeat offenders will be dealt with even more severely, facing double punishment.

The bill also holds abettors accountable, including parents, village authorities, and religious functionaries who participate in or conceal polygamous marriages. Clerics or priests who knowingly solemnize such marriages may face fines up to ₹1.5 lakh and imprisonment.

• Punishment and Penalties: The Bill prescribes:

  • Up to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine for engaging in polygamy.
  • Up to 10 years of imprisonment for those who conceal an existing marriage before entering another.
  • Double punishment for repeat offenders.

• Penalties for Religious Officials: Clerics or priests who knowingly solemnize polygamous marriages may face fines up to ₹1.5 lakh, along with imprisonment. Similar penalties apply to other abettors.

• Additionally, the Bill brings under its ambit village heads, Qazis (Muslim clerics), and parents or guardians who assist in or conceal such marriages.

• They may face up to 2 years in jail and fines up to ₹1 lakh.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the legislation is not against any particular religion, saying, “Islam can’t promote polygamy. If this bill passes, then you will get a chance to be a true Muslim.” He cited examples of countries like Turkey that have banned polygamy and expressed confidence that true Islamic people will welcome this Act.

The bill’s passage comes amid controversy, with opposition MLAs from Congress, CPI(M), and Raijor Dal staging a walkout following a discussion on the death of singer Zubeen Garg. AIUDF’s Aminul Islam expressed concerns about the bill’s constitutionality, stating that his party had opposed it in the Assembly.

The new law will not apply to the Bodoland Territorial Region, hill districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, and West Karbi Anglong, or to people from Scheduled Tribes, as those areas are governed under the Sixth Schedule.

In a significant move, Chief Minister Sarma has also pledged to implement the Uniform Civil Code in Assam if he is re-elected in next year’s assembly polls. “If I return to the assembly as the Chief Minister, I will bring the UCC in the first session of the assembly,” Sarma declared.

The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, marks a significant step towards promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights in the state. With stringent penalties and a clear message, the state government aims to deter individuals from engaging in polygamous marriages and ensure that women are treated with dignity and respect.

Several Hindutva organizations and rights forums have welcomed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, hailing it as a landmark step towards equality and women’s rights.

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has demanded the implementation of a similar law across the country. In a press note, Ramesh Shinde, national spokesperson of HJS, stated, “Assam has taken a historic step towards protecting women’s rights and safety by passing the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025. The provisions include up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines for those entering into second marriages while concealing prior unions, and 2 years of imprisonment with fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh for village heads, Qazis, priests, or parents involved. This will curb mental, social, and economic exploitation of women. Convicts will be barred from government jobs, scheme benefits, and elections, enhancing social accountability. Additionally, victims will receive compensation, legal aid, and financial assistance. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti congratulates Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and demands that the Centre implement this law nationwide.”

The press note further states, “Globally, around 130-140 countries, including Turkey, France, the USA, Germany, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Spain, and Italy, have strict or complete bans on polygamy. Although India has laws, they do not uniformly apply to all religions, and this practice poses a significant threat to women’s freedom and family structure. A nationwide law similar to Assam’s is essential to strengthen women’s safety and security.”
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_Agency Inputs.