The Assam Legislative Assembly has passed a groundbreaking bill to ban polygamy and classify it as a criminal offence, marking a major legal and social reform in the state.
The bill, reported by Ratnadip Choudhury and edited by Mansi Jagani, aims to strengthen women’s rights, promote gender equality, and ensure uniform application of marital laws across communities.
The move is part of the government’s broader initiative to curb practices considered discriminatory or harmful to women.
What the New Bill Proposes
The newly passed Bill:
Bans polygamy in all forms
Makes entering into more than one marriage at a time a punishable offence
Applies to all communities and religions in the state
Ensures uniformity in marital laws
Supports women’s legal and financial rights
The law emphasises that marriage must be monogamous, and violation of this can result in criminal charges.
Why Assam Brought This Bill
The Assam government cited several reasons for introducing the ban:
✔ Women’s Protection
To prevent exploitation of women in marriages and safeguard their legal rights.
✔ Social Reform
To align marital practices with modern laws promoting equality.
✔ Legal Clarity
To remove ambiguity around marital rights under various personal laws.
✔ Uniformity
To bring all communities under the same rule regarding polygamy.
Punishment and Legal Implications
Under the new legislation:
Polygamy will be treated as a criminal offence
Offenders may face imprisonment, fines, or both
Marriages conducted in violation of the law will be deemed invalid
The government also plans to establish mechanisms for women to file complaints and seek protection under the new law.
Debate in the Assembly
The Bill sparked strong debate:
Supporters argued that it is a progressive step toward protecting women.
Critics claimed it may overlap with existing personal laws or raise constitutional questions.
Opposition leaders demanded more discussion on implementation and social impact.
Despite these concerns, the Bill passed with majority support.
Impact on Women and Families
The reform is expected to:
Improve women’s economic security
Ensure better marital stability
Reduce cases of abandonment
Strengthen legal protection for married women
Women's rights groups have welcomed the move as a long-awaited reform.
Assam’s Broader Legal Reforms
The state has recently taken steps toward:
Strengthening laws related to child marriage
Addressing trafficking and exploitation
Updating family and social welfare legislation
The polygamy ban is seen as part of this broader legal modernisation.
FAQs
1. Who does the ban apply to?
All residents of Assam, regardless of religion or community.
2. Is polygamy already banned under Indian law?
It is banned under most personal laws, but allowed for some communities. Assam’s new bill creates a uniform rule.
3. What is the punishment for polygamy under this bill?
Imprisonment, fines, or both — details to be specified in the final act.
4. Does this affect existing polygamous marriages?
The bill primarily targets future violations; clarity will come with implementation rules.
5. Why did Assam introduce this law now?
To protect women’s rights, modernise marital laws, and eliminate discriminatory practices.
Published on : 27th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit: Content inspired by reporting from Ratnadip Choudhury and edited by Mansi Jagani.