Assam Cabinet approves bill to ban polygamy, exempts tribal communities

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the state Cabinet has approved a bill to ban polygamy, under which those convicted may face up to seven years of imprisonment.

Speaking to reporters, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said that the 2025 Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill will be tabled in the Assembly on November 25. Polygamy is the practice of having more than one wife.

It will also not “immediately” apply to areas under the Bodoland Territorial Council, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Eight out of Assam’s thirty-five districts are part of the three councils.