Assam takes bold step, cabinet clears polygamy ban.
Assam’s new polygamy ban may spare Sixth Schedule areas, respecting unique tribal customs while enforcing broader social reform.
Assam Cabinet Clears Bill to Ban Polygamy, Offers Support Fund for Victims
Guwahati: In a landmark decision aimed at promoting gender equality and social reform, the Assam government on Sunday approved a new Bill to ban polygamy across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state cabinet had given its nod to the legislation, under which those found guilty of practising polygamy could face up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment.
The move marks one of the most significant legal reforms in Assam in recent years and reflects the government’s broader push toward women’s empowerment and uniform personal laws.
The Bill will be called The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025. It will be tabled in the upcoming assembly session,” Sarma said, adding that the government had taken a “decisive step” to protect the rights and dignity of women in the state.
Jail Term for Offenders
Explaining the provisions of the proposed law, the Chief Minister said anyone found guilty of practising polygamy could face rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years. The punishment clause, he noted, was designed to serve as a strong deterrent against the practice, which remains illegal under most civil laws but is still observed in some communities.
“The Bill makes it clear that no person will be allowed to have more than one spouse. This is not only a legal issue but also a moral one. We must ensure equality for women,” Sarma stated.
The government, he added, had studied similar laws in other Indian states before drafting the Bill to ensure its constitutionality and alignment with existing legal frameworks.
Special Consideration for Sixth Schedule Areas
Sarma also acknowledged that there may be some exceptions for the Sixth Schedule areas, which enjoy special constitutional status and greater autonomy in matters related to customary laws and social practices. “We will ensure that the law respects the unique traditions and governance structures of tribal communities while still upholding women’s rights,” he said.
This clarification was seen as an attempt to balance reform with cultural sensitivity, as several tribal communities in Assam follow their own customary laws.
Support for Women Victims
In a move welcomed by women’s rights advocates, the Chief Minister announced the creation of a special government fund to support women affected by polygamy. The fund will provide financial compensation and assistance to help victims rebuild their lives and ensure they are not left destitute after leaving such relationships.
The government will extend financial support wherever necessary so that no woman faces hardship in her life,” Sarma said.
According to officials, this fund will be managed by the state’s Department of Women and Child Development and will include provisions for legal aid, rehabilitation, and livelihood support.
A Step Toward Equality
The proposed law is expected to ignite both praise and debate in the assembly later this month. While many see it as a bold and progressive measure toward gender justice, others believe the government must handle its implementation with care, especially in culturally diverse regions.
Nevertheless, the Assam government’s message is clear — the days of silent acceptance of polygamy are numbered.
As Sarma put it, “This is not just a legal reform; it’s a step toward ensuring that every woman in Assam lives with dignity, equality, and freedom from exploitation.”