The Assam government has taken a major legal and social step by approving the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025, aimed at banning multiple marriages while a first marriage remains valid. This bill makes polygamy a punishable offence, reflecting the state’s focus on gender justice and women’s empowerment. It also aligns with Assam’s larger effort to bring uniformity to marriage laws across communities.
Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025: A Step Toward Gender Equality
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025 outlines clear legal measures to prevent and penalise polygamous marriages:
- It prohibits any person from entering into a new marriage without the legal dissolution of an existing one.
- Violators may face imprisonment for up to 7 years.
- The Bill includes a compensation fund for women affected by polygamous relationships.
- The Bill is scheduled to be tabled in the Assam Legislative Assembly on 25 November 2025 for final approval.
These provisions aim to bring clarity and fairness to marital laws while ensuring women’s protection under the law.
Exemptions and Special Conditions
The legislation carefully defines its applicability:
- It does not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes (STs) or people living in areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Muslim marriages that occurred before 2005 in Scheduled Areas are also exempt from the Bill’s provisions.
These exceptions are designed to respect traditional customs and constitutional safeguards in certain regions.
Why This Bill Matters
The introduction of this Bill has multiple social and legal implications:
- Gender Justice: It aims to protect women from exploitation, financial insecurity, and emotional distress caused by polygamous marriages.
- Legal Uniformity: The Bill represents a move toward common marriage laws, promoting equality across all communities.
- Empowerment and Compensation: The creation of a women’s compensation fund ensures direct financial relief and support for victims.
- Precedent for Other States: If successfully implemented, Assam’s model could inspire similar laws in other states, strengthening women’s rights nationwide.
Constitutional and Legislative Context
An expert committee earlier determined that Assam has legislative competence to enact such a law, as marriage and divorce fall under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution. This legal grounding reinforces the Bill’s validity and positions Assam as a pioneer in personal law reform.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Bill Name: Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025
- Purpose: To make polygamy (multiple marriages) a criminal offence.
- Punishment: Up to 7 years of imprisonment.
- Compensation: Establishment of a special fund for affected women.
- Exemptions: Applies only outside ST and Sixth Schedule areas; Muslim marriages before 2005 in such areas are exempt.
- Introduced by: Government of Assam under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
- Assembly Presentation Date: 25 November 2025.
Question & Answer
Q1. What is the main objective of the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025?
(a) To allow multiple marriages legally
(b) To ban polygamy and protect women’s rights
(c) To promote traditional marriage customs
(d) To amend the Sixth Schedule
Answer: To ban polygamy and protect women’s rights
Q2. What is the maximum punishment under the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025?
(a) 3 years imprisonment
(b) 5 years imprisonment
(c) 7 years imprisonment
(d) 10 years imprisonment
Answer: 7 years imprisonment
Q3. The Bill exempts which groups or regions from its application?
(a) Government employees
(b) Scheduled Tribes and Sixth Schedule areas
(c) All citizens of Assam
(d) Married couples before 2020
Answer: Scheduled Tribes and Sixth Schedule areas
Q4. When will the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025 be tabled in the Assembly?
(a) 15 October 2025
(b) 25 November 2025
(c) 1 December 2025
(d) 10 November 2025
Answer: 25 November 2025
Q5. The Bill provides for a special fund to support whom?
(a) Government employees
(b) Affected women from polygamous marriages
(c) Tribal welfare boards
(d) Religious institutions
Answer: Affected women from polygamous marriages
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