Assam Cabinet Approves Polygamy Ban, With Exemptions for Certain Communities

Assam, Nov 10 : In a landmark move, the Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, aimed at banning the practice of having more than one spouse. The bill, which will be tabled in the Assembly on November 25, seeks to outlaw polygamy across most parts of the state, making Assam the second Indian state after Uttarakhand to do so.

Under the proposed legislation, any person found guilty of engaging in a polygamous marriage will face up to seven years of imprisonment. The bill also includes provisions for financial compensation to women victimised by such marriages, recognising the emotional and social distress caused.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Under this bill, a person shall not marry if he has a living spouse or is not legally separated by due procedure of law. The bill further provides for financial aid to women suffering due to polygamous marriages.”

Exemptions Under the Bill

The legislation, however, will not apply to Scheduled Tribe communities or regions governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, including the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. These autonomous regions collectively cover eight of Assam’s 35 districts.

Additionally, Muslims residing in Sixth Schedule areas prior to 2005 will also be exempted from the law. The government plans to establish a special fund to support women affected by polygamous unions, ensuring they do not face economic hardship.

If passed in the upcoming Assembly session, the Assam Polygamy Ban Bill will mark a significant step toward uniform civil law reforms in the state, promoting gender justice and women’s welfare.

Globally, polygamy remains legal in countries such as Algeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the UAE, and Sri Lanka.