The Assam Legislative Assembly has passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025, moving to legally ban the practice after extensive debates marked by political clashes and emotional arguments. The ruling government hails the bill as a significant reform aimed at empowering women and promoting gender justice, while opposition members criticize it as unconstitutional and biased.
The discussion exposed deep divides among lawmakers, with heated exchanges over constitutional rights, religious freedoms, and accusations of targeting specific communities. Opposition leader Abdul Rashid Mandal expressed concerns that state legislation might conflict with central Muslim laws, arguing that the bill violates Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution. He insisted that the law should be equitable for all communities, highlighting that it unfairly penalizes families for marriages conducted without their knowledge and challenge the bill’s police search provisions as unconstitutional.
Contrastingly, ruling party MLA Suman Haripriya supported the legislation, asserting that it addresses the exploitation of women in polygamous situations. “Imagine how a woman feels when her husband marries again while she remains at home. This bill considers her plight,” she stated, calling for a toll-free helpline for women affected by polygamy.
Aminul Islam Jr questioned the bill’s necessity, claiming that Islamic law already sets strict conditions for multiple marriages. He contended that the bill targets Muslims directly, arguing the legislation undermines rights guaranteed in the Constitution. Citing data, Asraful Hussain remarked that polygamy exists among both Muslims and non-Muslims in Assam, with the rates being 1.8 and 3.6 respectively.
Jakir Hussain Sikdar and Rafiqul Islam echoed similar concerns, questioning why the bill targets specific regions and communities when polygamy is practiced more widely. Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi accused the government of politicizing the issue, suggesting that the bill shows selective enforcement by exempting certain areas, thereby undermining its intent.
In response to criticism, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the bill, framing it as part of his administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He emphasized that the legislation is neutral regarding religion and applies universally. Sarma clarified that autonomous councils have legislative powers and need to agree on the law’s applicability to Sixth Schedule areas, adding, “After this bill is passed, we hope these areas will create their own laws.”
Highlighting the legislation’s intent, Sarma remarked that monogamy is the standard in Islamic law, questioning how any man could genuinely love and treat two wives equally. He alluded to the Supreme Court’s advocacy for a Uniform Civil Code, vowing to pursue its implementation if opposition parties cannot stop him. He warned that facilitators of illegal polygamous marriages, including qazis and family members, would face consequences, stressing that complicity in such marriages would lead to punishment for all involved.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/assam-assembly-erupts-in-debate-over-prohibition-of-polygamy-bill-2025-1599336
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Publish Date: 2025-11-27 18:26:00
