The Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday, November 27, passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, making polygamy an offence across the state except in Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities and areas governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants autonomy to tribal regions in northeastern states.
The bill, introduced by the state government, seeks to criminalise entering into a second marriage while the first remains legally valid. Offenders may face up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, while those who conceal an existing marriage could face up to ten years in jail along with fines.
The legislation also includes provisions to grant compensation to the affected spouse in cases of polygamous unions. The government said the law aims to uphold equality and ensure legal protection for women, while exemptions for ST communities continue to align with existing constitutional safeguards.
The passage of the bill has triggered discussions on its social and legal implications, particularly regarding the scope of exemptions and their impact on diverse communities in the state.
