Opposition MLA Akhil Gogoi said the bill breaches constitutional religious freedoms, while AIUDF’s Aminul Islam argued it violates several constitutional provisions.

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Assam’s state assembly on Thursday approved a bill banning polygamy, a measure the government says is aimed at protecting women, but which opposition lawmakers argue is designed to single out the state’s large Muslim population.

The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, introduced earlier this week, sets penalties of up to seven years in prison for anyone convicted of having more than one spouse. Individuals who conceal a previous marriage could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Parents, priests and village heads who hide or delay reporting a polygamous marriage could also be charged with abetting the offence.

Priests who knowingly solemnise such a marriage may face up to two years in jail.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told lawmakers the legislation was not aimed at Islam, saying several Muslim-majority countries had already outlawed polygamy. “If this bill passes, then you will get a chance to be a true Muslim,” he said, citing Turkey and provisions in Pakistan.

Opposition MLA Akhil Gogoi said the bill infringes constitutional freedoms relating to religious practice, while the All India United Democratic Front’s Aminul Islam said the law violates multiple constitutional provisions.

Sarma added that if re-elected in 2026, his government would introduce a Uniform Civil Code in the first session of the next assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which governs the state, has long advocated a nationwide common personal law governing marriage, divorce and inheritance.

Assembly elections in Assam are expected in the first half of 2026.

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