Guwahati, Nov 27: The Assam Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, two days after it was introduced in the 126-member House.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the legislation marks a crucial step toward implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He asserted that if re-elected in next year’s Assembly polls, his government would introduce the UCC Bill in the very first session and ensure its swift implementation.
“We will reserve the Bill for the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. I do not think the Bill will be denied approval, as the President is a woman,” Sarma said, claiming the legislation aims to protect women and provide justice to victims of polygamy.
The Bill proposes imprisonment of up to 10 years and heavy fines for those who suppress an existing marriage before entering into another. Repeat offenders will face double the prescribed punishment.
The law will not apply to Assam’s Sixth Schedule areas — the Bodoland Territorial Region, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council. Scheduled Tribes recognised under Article 342 have also been exempted from its purview.
Calling the polygamy ban a “step towards the UCC”, Sarma reaffirmed his government’s commitment to bringing uniformity to personal laws across communities.
