Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the state government will introduce a bill on November 25 to ban polygamy in the state.
He stated that under the bill, anyone entering into multiple marriages simultaneously would face imprisonment of up to seven years, regardless of their religious affiliation.
CM Sarma stated the BJP-led government will introduce the bill in the assembly to prohibit the practice, even if permitted under religious laws.
Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina scheme in Guwahati, Sarma said, “Under the proposed provisions of the law against polygamy, any person entering into a second marriage without a judicial divorce will face imprisonment of seven years or more. The proposed law seeks to ensure that all marriages in Assam conform to the legal and constitutional framework of monogamy and gender justice.
Sarma added, “This law will apply to every citizen, irrespective of religion. Some may say their faith allows multiple marriages, but the BJP government will never allow polygamy in Assam.”
The Chief Minister stressed that the law is intended to uphold the dignity and rights of women across the state. “We are committed to safeguarding the honour of women in this state at any cost,” he affirmed.
Once implemented, Assam will be among the few states in India to have a dedicated legal framework that criminalizes polygamy.
During a cabinet meeting held last week, the state government decided to introduce bills related to polygamy, love jihad, and the distribution of surplus tea garden land to workers.
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“We have already taken strong action against child marriages, arresting over 8,000 people in the past two years. The law against polygamy will further strengthen our efforts to eliminate such social evils,” he said.
