CivilsKash
Assam's Anti-Polygamy Bill: Single marriage allowed only
The Assam Legislative Assembly introduced the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, aiming to criminalize polygamy statewide with punishment of up to 7 years imprisonment. This move, which excludes Sixth Schedule areas and Scheduled Tribes under Article 342, seeks to standardize marriage laws and protect women's rights. Key provisions include holding village heads and parents accountable and establishing a compensation mechanism for affected women.
The legislation reflects a wider national debate on gender justice and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). While Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 criminalized polygamy for Hindus, Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 still permits it. Judicial pronouncements, like Javed v. State of Haryana, affirm that the freedom of religion under Article 25 is subject to social harmony. The bill highlights the conflict between personal laws and constitutional rights, particularly Article 14 (Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life), emphasizing the need for legal and social reforms to align family laws with modern constitutional values.
The legislation reflects a wider national debate on gender justice and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). While Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 criminalized polygamy for Hindus, Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 still permits it. Judicial pronouncements, like Javed v. State of Haryana, affirm that the freedom of religion under Article 25 is subject to social harmony. The bill highlights the conflict between personal laws and constitutional rights, particularly Article 14 (Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life), emphasizing the need for legal and social reforms to align family laws with modern constitutional values.