Expert Committee submits report, Law to end poligamy this year : Himanta

way2barak, August 6: Assam would enact legislation to ban polygamy. The Govt is going to introduction a distinct law to prohibit it. On sunday, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared his intention of introducing the bill within this year. A specially appointed committee of four, headed by retired Justice Rumi Kumari Phukan, has submitted its report to CM.

The report states that, the state government is authorised to enact laws to prohibit polygamy. But unlike other state laws, the proposal needs to be approved and signed by the President. The expert committee has also gave some legal suggestions about the marriageable age. The CM informed that in, the proposed law will be linked to the POCSO(Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences) act. In that case, various complexities surrounding the marriageable age, mainly with muslims, will be resolved.

The Assam Government had constituted a four member committee on 12th May this year. The other members in the expert committee are- Advocate General Devajit Saikia, Additional Advocate General Nalin Kohli and senior advocate Nekibur Zaman.

If the proposed law is enacted, it is expected to empower women in Assam significantly. The prohibition of polygamy will safeguard women’s rights, as it will eliminate the practice of multiple marriages that often lead to exploitation and inequality.
After receiving the report, the CM tweeted, “Assam is now closer to creating a positive ecosystem for women’s empowerment irrespective of cast, creed or religion.”