GUWAHATI, Oct 28: The Assam government is set to introduce a landmark anti-polygamy bill in the upcoming winter session of the State Assembly, proposing a seven-year jail term for anyone marrying for the second time in violation of law, irrespective of religion.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement on Monday while launching the second phase of the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina scheme, which aims to empower girl students across the state. The bill will be tabled on November 25, the opening day of the Assembly’s winter session.

“This time we have taken a decision in Assam that a person who marries more than once will have to spend seven years in jail, irrespective of his religion,” Sarma declared. “Your religion may give you permission, but Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP government will not allow second or third marriages. We will protect the dignity of women and girls till the end in Assam,” he asserted.

If passed, Assam will become the second state in India after Uttarakhand to ban polygamy through legislation. The move is part of the BJP-led government’s broader agenda to curb child marriage and prevent religiously sanctioned illegal unions.

Last week, while addressing a public event in Lakhipur, Cachar district, Sarma reiterated his government’s determination to safeguard women’s rights, stating that the bill would “end polygamy and protect the rights and status of women.”

Since the government launched its crackdown on child marriage two years ago, around 8,000 individuals have been arrested. Sarma also indicated that under future legal provisions, parents of accused individuals in so-called “love-jihad” cases could face arrest.

With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the proposed anti-polygamy bill underscores the Sarma government’s push to tighten social reforms and reinforce gender equality across Assam.