Assam Government Establishes Committee to Create Anti-Polygamy Law

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, recently announced the government’s intention to legally ban polygamy in the state and present a bill in the Assam assembly by December of this year. Subsequently, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has formed a five-member committee to draft the legislation aimed at prohibiting polygamy in the state.

The committee, appointed on September 13, comprises key figures such as the Advocate General of Assam, Debajit Saikia, Nalin Kohli, Director General of Assam Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Romen Baruah, Legal Remembrancer and Secretary of Judicial Department, Assam, and Biswajit IAS Pegu, Secretary of Home & Political Department, Assam.

This committee will engage with all concerned parties, including those opposing the proposed legislation, with the objective of drafting the law within 45 days.
Chief Minister Sarma had previously indicated that public opinion favoured the legal prohibition of polygamy, and the bill’s drafting would be completed within 45 days.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Sarma announced that the Assam government would initiate a second phase of intensified efforts to combat child marriage. In the coming ten days, the state police will act against those involved in marrying underage girls. The government’s actions to curb both child marriage and polygamy are driven by the goal of preventing the exploitation of women.

The Assam government’s Political (A) Department issued an official notification on Wednesday, forming the committee responsible for crafting the legislation.

The committee’s task is to consider suggestions received, review the three petitions opposing the legislation, and, if necessary, engage with those who do not support the proposed law to understand their perspectives. The committee may also consult with the chairman of the law commission as needed during its deliberations.

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