India passes bill banning second marriage; violators to face up to 10 years in prison and heavy fines.”
According to Daily Pakistan A controversial bill criminalizing polygamy has been passed by the Assam state assembly in India, amidst widespread criticism that this is targeted at Muslims. According to the new legislation, one can be imprisoned for up to seven years for a second marriage during an existing marriage, while if the first wife’s permission is not obtained, this punishment will increase. Hiding an existing marriage before remarrying can land one in prison for ten years, and repeat offenders face a double penalty. Conducting or helping a second marriage will attract punitive measures: village heads, religious clerics, parents, or guardians conducting such marriages will also be punished with up to two years in prison and pay fines of between ₹100,000 and ₹150,000. The Act also prohibits those convicted under this law from securing government jobs and contesting local elections, with a provision to provide compensation and legal protection to women against illegal marriages. Defending the bill, the Assam Chief Minister claimed that it is not an anti Islam measure but instead ensures marital responsibility and protection of the rights of wives, and even countries like Türkiye ban polygamy. The legislation is seen as a detriment to personal freedom and religious traditions where second marriages may either be permissible under religious or customary laws. Partial exemptions are given to certain tribesmen, ethnic groups, and autonomous regions.
