Provisions and Punishments Under the Bill
The Bill criminalises polygamy, prescribing imprisonment of up to seven years for offenders. In addition, it includes a clause allowing compensation for women impacted by such marriages. The legislation is intended to promote gender equality and align with broader national efforts to standardise marital laws across communities.
Exemptions for Tribals and Scheduled Areas
The law will not apply to members of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities or to residents of the six Scheduled Areas within Assam. These exemptions respect the constitutional autonomy and cultural practices of tribal groups. Minority Muslim residents in Scheduled Areas, whose marriages occurred before 2005, will also remain outside the scope of the law.
Exam Oriented Facts
- The Assam Cabinet approved the Bill to ban polygamy in November 2025.
- Violations will attract imprisonment of up to seven years and compensation for victims.
- The law excludes Scheduled Tribes and six Scheduled Areas of Assam.
- Polygamous marriages among minority Muslims before 2005 in Scheduled Areas remain exempt.
Future Implementation and Legislative Plans
The Assam government intends to introduce the Bill in the upcoming Budget Session for legislative approval. It forms part of the state’s wider reform agenda, which also includes stricter rules for arms licences and land transactions. The Chief Minister reiterated that the legislation supports Assam’s vision of legal uniformity and social justice, setting a precedent for similar reforms nationwide.
