Assam proposes jail term, heavy fines for polygamy

26 NOVEMBER 2025

The Assam government has introduced The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 in the Legislative Assembly.
The Bill aims to criminalize polygamy (i.e., entering into a second – or more – marriage while the first marriage is still valid).

Applicability and Exceptions

The law is proposed to apply irrespective of religion. So even if religious personal laws (e.g., for Muslims) permit polygamy, under this Bill, second marriages would be criminalized.
The Bill will not apply to Scheduled Tribes (STs) to protect the customary practices of tribal communities.
The law will also cover people who live outside Assam but own immovable property in the State or receive State-funded benefits, subsidies, or welfare support.

Key Provisions

For first offence, up to 7 years’ rigorous imprisonment + fine.
If the second marriage was done by concealing the existing earlier marriage, the punishment may increase — up to 10 years’ imprisonment + fine.
For a repeat offence, the punishment may be doubled.
Convicts will be disqualified from public employment (state-funded or aided)
Convicts will be ineligible to benefit from state-funded/-aided schemes.
Convicts will be barred from contesting elections to local bodies.
Women who are victims of polygamous marriages can approach a competent authority for compensation from a proposed fund.
Punishment for people who facilitate or solemnize polygamous marriages:
- A priest / “quazi” who knowingly conducts such a marriage — up to 2 year’s jail + fine
- A village head, parent, guardian, or other person who “dishonestly or fraudulently hides facts or helps in solemnisation” — up to 2 year’s imprisonment + fine