In a landmark but controversial decision, Assam’s state assembly has passed the ‘Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025’, making polygamy illegal and punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment. The law, however, will not apply in Scheduled Tribe areas, a clause that has raised both legal and social questions.
The legislation aims to prevent the severe distress faced by women whose husbands enter multiple marriages without divorcing their existing wives. It stipulates that men who commit polygamy must provide financial compensation to the women affected. Polygamy, as defined by the bill, includes marrying another woman while still married, and it also applies in cases where divorce proceedings are pending or a divorce decree has yet to be implemented.
The bill was introduced by Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sharma, on Tuesday and passed on Thursday amid the absence of opposition lawmakers from Congress, CPI(M), and Raijor Dal, many of whom left the assembly prior to its presentation.
Speaking after the bill’s passage, Sharma emphasised that the law applies to all communities and is not targeted at any specific religion. “This is not against Islam alone. Polygamy occurs in Hindu and Christian communities as well. Protecting women from such practices is a responsibility we must uphold. This law applies to all communities equally,” he said.
Social commentators have welcomed the move as a significant step towards women’s protection in Assam. They argue, however, that public awareness, especially in rural areas, will be crucial to ensuring the law’s effectiveness. Legal experts also caution that the exclusion of Scheduled Tribe areas may require careful monitoring to prevent circumvention, and authorities must ensure that affected women have access to compensation and justice. The bill reflects Assam’s growing focus on gender rights, but its implementation will be closely scrutinised across the state.