Guwahati, Nov 10: The Assam cabinet has approved ‘The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025’, which seeks to impose a complete ban on polygamy in the state. Under the proposed law, individuals found guilty of practicing polygamy could face up to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated.

Exceptions to the ban may be made for areas under the Sixth Schedule, the Chief Minister added during a press conference following the cabinet meeting. The bill is scheduled to be tabled in the Assam Assembly on November 25.

To protect the rights of women affected by polygamy, the state government will set up a dedicated fund to provide compensation. “The government will give financial support in required cases to ensure that no woman faces hardship in her life,” Sarma said.