Archive · 26 Nov 2025
Assam tables polygamy ban bill
The Assam government has introduced a bill to ban polygamy, which means having more than one wife.
If someone is found guilty of this, they can go to jail for up to seven years.
The bill was approved by the Cabinet on November 9 and was presented in the Assembly on Tuesday.
However, some groups like Scheduled Tribes and people living in certain areas won't have to follow this law.
The government also plans to help women who have been affected by polygamy.
Some people are happy about this bill because they think it will help women, but others are worried it might be used to target a specific community.
The bill is part of a bigger discussion about having the same laws for everyone, no matter their religion.
Additionally, the BTC Chief, Hagrama Mohilary, spoke about political changes within the Bodoland Territorial Council and supported the exemptions for certain communities.
Assam government introduced the 2025 Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill to ban polygamy.
The bill proposes up to seven years of imprisonment for those convicted of polygamy.
Scheduled Tribes and certain autonomous councils are exempt from the law.
Muslims residing in Sixth Schedule areas prior to 2005 are also exempted.
The government plans to create a fund to compensate victims of polygamy.
- Who
- Assam government, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary
- What
- Tabling of a bill to ban polygamy and political changes within the BTC
- When
- November 9 (Cabinet approval), Tuesday (bill tabled)
- Where
- Assam Legislative Assembly, Kokrajhar
- Why
- To empower women, exempt certain communities, and address polygamy
Supporters of the Bill
Critics of the Bill
Empowerment of Women
Supporters of the Bill
The bill is seen as a step towards empowering women by preventing polygamy and providing compensation to victims.
Critics of the Bill
Critics argue that the bill may be used to target specific communities and could lead to social unrest.
Exemptions for Certain Communities
Supporters of the Bill
Supporters believe that exempting Scheduled Tribes and certain autonomous councils is necessary to respect their cultural practices.
Critics of the Bill
Critics contend that the exemptions create a sense of inequality and do not align with the principle of uniform civil laws.
- Bill Name
- 2025 Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill
- Penalty
- Up to 7 years imprisonment
- Exempted Communities
- Scheduled Tribes and certain autonomous councils
- Exempted Muslims
- Those residing in Sixth Schedule areas prior to 2005
- Government Support
- Fund for compensating victims of polygamy
- BTC Chief
- Hagrama Mohilary
- BTC Changes
- Two BJP members to join Executive Council, one as Deputy Speaker
- ST Status
- BTC supports ST status for six communities, with conditions
Sources
Assam tables bill to ban polygamy
Assam tables polygamy ban Bill; covers abettors & out-of-state violators
NDA to sweep 2026 polls; 2 BJP members to join BTC executive council: Hagrama
Assam govt tables bill to ban polygamy, proposes jail, fine for offenders
Bill to ban polygamy tabled in Assam, proposes 7-year jail
Assam tables bill to ban polygamy, proposes 7-year jail; ST excluded
