Overview
- Conviction for entering a second marriage draws up to seven years in prison, rising to 10 years if a prior marriage is concealed, with fines attached.
- The law excludes Sixth Schedule areas and Scheduled Tribes, with the chief minister urging autonomous councils to adopt similar provisions.
- Polygamy is made a cognisable offence, facilitators such as parents, village heads or qazis face up to two years in jail, and victims can seek compensation.
- Those convicted can be barred from state jobs, government schemes and contesting local elections, with repeat offenders facing enhanced penalties.
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma calls the law religion‑neutral and a step toward a Uniform Civil Code, while opposition parties and activists question its constitutionality and intent.