India, Nov. 27 -- The Assam Assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, making polygamy a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison, with specific exemptions for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and areas under the Sixth Schedule.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who piloted the Bill, said the legislation was aimed at empowering women and promoting equality, asserting that it was not directed against any particular religion. "The Hindus are not free from polygamy either. This Bill applies equally to people from all faiths - Hindu, Muslim, Christian and others," Sarma said during the debate.

The CM appealed to opposition parties to withdraw their proposed amendments to ensure the Bill's unanimous pass...