Guwahati, November 25, 2025 – In a move poised to reshape social norms in the northeastern state, the Assam Legislative Assembly tabled the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, on Tuesday, igniting fierce debates and accusations of communal targeting from opposition benches.
The bill, approved by the state cabinet earlier this month, seeks to criminalize the practice of polygamy across Assam, imposing stringent penalties including up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 5 lakh for offenders. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who introduced the legislation during the ongoing winter session, described it as a "historic step towards women's empowerment and gender justice," emphasizing that it would not apply to tribal communities or areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. "This is not about any community; it's about protecting our daughters and ensuring equality," Sarma stated in the house, amid thumping desks from treasury benches.
However, the tabling unfolded against a backdrop of mounting tensions, with opposition parties, led by the Congress, staging protests and labeling the bill as "politically motivated" and a veiled attack on minority communities, particularly the Bengali-speaking Muslim population often referred to as "Miyas." Congress Legislature Party leader Rakibul Hussain demanded an immediate halt to the proceedings, arguing that the legislation exploits sensitive cultural practices for electoral gains ahead of future polls. "This is nothing but the BJP's latest weaponization of identity politics. Why exempt tribals but go after the poor Muslims?" Hussain questioned, prompting chaotic scenes as opposition members rushed towards the well of the house, leading to a brief adjournment.
The bill's provisions extend beyond mere prohibition: it mandates compensation for victims of polygamous unions, including financial aid and legal support for affected women, and establishes a special enforcement mechanism through district-level committees. Sarma, rebutting the critics, accused the opposition of hypocrisy, pointing to historical instances where Congress governments allegedly overlooked similar issues. "They use minority votes as oxygen but forget the women suffering in silence," the chief minister retorted, drawing sharp retorts from the floor.
The legislation forms part of a broader BJP agenda in Assam to address what the ruling party terms "regressive practices" threatening indigenous culture and demographic balance. It comes on the heels of recent state initiatives like the proposed anti-"Love Jihad" bill and measures to protect Assamese land rights, further fueling perceptions of a targeted crackdown. Women's rights activists have offered mixed reactions: while some hail the compensation clause as progressive, others worry it could stigmatize vulnerable families without adequate rehabilitation support.
As the assembly session continues—set to extend until December amid other pressing issues like public outrage over the recent death of popular singer Zubeen Garg—the fate of the anti-polygamy bill hangs in the balance. With the opposition vowing to stall its passage through amendments or walkouts, the coming days promise more acrimony in Dispur. Legal experts anticipate challenges in the high court, citing potential conflicts with personal laws under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
The tabling marks a pivotal moment for Assam's social fabric, where polygamy—rooted in certain customary practices—has long been a flashpoint in the state's multicultural mosaic. Whether this bill ushers in reform or deepens divides remains to be seen.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
