Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday the state government’s plan to enact legislation to ban polygamy within the current financial year. The decision comes after an expert committee, formed by the state government, submitted its report, affirming the competence of the state legislature to introduce such a law. This move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government aims to promote women’s empowerment and ensure a positive ecosystem for all communities in the state.
Expert Committee’s Findings
In May, the Assam government constituted a four-member committee, led by retired Guwahati High Court Judge Rumi Phukan, to examine the feasibility of implementing a law to ban polygamy. The committee was tasked with submitting its report within 60 days, which was recently presented to Chief Minister Sarma. While the CM admitted that he had not yet gone through the contents of the report, he revealed that the committee confirmed the state’s authority to enact such legislation, subject to final approval by the President of India.
Clarity on Marriage Eligibility
One significant aspect addressed by the expert committee is the need to specify the eligible age for marriage for all individuals, regardless of religion. Currently, Assam’s state laws on Muslim marriages do not define the age of eligibility for brides and grooms. The committee suggested incorporating provisions to mention the eligible age for marriage in the proposed polygamy law to ensure clarity and alignment with the rules under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Path to Implementation
Chief Minister Sarma revealed that the proposed legislation could be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session, scheduled for September 16. Alternatively, it may be introduced in the budget session early next year to provide sufficient time for discussions and debates among Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Despite the specific timing of the bill’s presentation, the CM assured that the law would come into effect within the existing financial year.
Wide-ranging Support for the Legislation
The decision to ban polygamy has garnered significant support from various communities in Assam. The feedback received on the issue indicates widespread approval for such legislation, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering an environment that empowers women and ensures equality, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
Assam’s Positive Ecosystem for Women’s Empowerment
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his satisfaction with the committee’s findings, noting that Assam is now closer to establishing a positive ecosystem for women’s empowerment. By prohibiting polygamy, the state government aims to promote gender equality and create an inclusive society where women’s rights are protected and respected.
The Assam government’s decision to ban polygamy through new legislation marks a significant step towards empowering women and fostering gender equality in the state. The committee’s report has confirmed the state’s competence to introduce such a law, subject to the President’s approval. By specifying the eligible age for marriage and aligning the legislation with POCSO Act rules, the government aims to bring clarity and coherence to the legal framework surrounding marriages. As Assam prepares to present the bill in the upcoming Assembly session, the state stands committed to creating a progressive environment that upholds women’s rights and contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society.
News Mania Desk / photo credit -News9 / Agnibeena Ghosh 8th August 2023
