Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Invites Public Input on Proposed Polygamy Ban

Guwahati: Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has called upon citizens to contribute their thoughts on the upcoming legislation to prohibit polygamy in the state.

The call for suggestions, outlined in an official notice, allows submissions via email or post until August 30, 2023. The move coincides with the approaching Assam assembly session scheduled to commence on September 11, 2023.

Members of the public are requested to send us their suggestions on the proposed law to ban polygamy in Assam. pic.twitter.com/FpKl0MgYqB

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 21, 2023

The move comes after an expert committee appointed by the government found that polygamy is not an essential part of Islam and that a law banning it would not violate the right to freedom of religion.

The committee also found that polygamy can have negative social and economic consequences, such as increasing the number of single mothers and children living in poverty.

The government is now seeking public feedback on the proposed law, including whether it should apply to all religions or just Islam.

Background

Polygamy is legal in India under certain circumstances, but it is banned in some states, including Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

In Assam, polygamy is legal for Muslims, but it is not practised widely.

The Proposed Law

The proposed law would make polygamy illegal for all people in Assam, regardless of their religion.

The law would also provide for the punishment of those who violate it, such as imprisonment or fines.