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Assam Tables Bill to Criminalize Polygamy

Lawmakers will take up the proposal later this session to decide on a ban with specified exemptions.

Overview

  • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 on the first day of the Winter Session, with debate scheduled for a later sitting.
  • Opposition MLAs from the Congress, CPI(M) and Raijor Dal were absent after staging a walkout over a separate discussion on singer Zubeen Garg's death.
  • The draft prohibits entering a new marriage if a person has a living spouse, lacks a legal separation, or does not have a decree of divorce dissolving an earlier marriage.
  • Reported provisions include imprisonment of up to seven years upon conviction and a government fund intended to provide financial support to affected women.
  • Exemptions outlined by the state cover Scheduled Tribe communities, delay application in Sixth Schedule council areas, and include a carve-out for Muslims residing in those areas before 2005.