No Double Marriages Allowed in Assam - Himanta Government's New Rule

The Assam government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has introduced a stringent law prohibiting government employees from entering into second marriages, regardless of their religion. This move is aimed at curbing issues related to polygamy and ensuring the welfare of existing spouses. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this new law, its historical context, and the potential implications.

1. Assam's Ban on Second Marriages: A Closer Look

The Assam government's recent directive restricts government employees from marrying again if their previous spouse is alive, even if their religion permits it.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the need for this law to prevent cases where multiple wives fight for the same person's pension, citing it as a primary concern.

This law, though not new, has now been enforced more rigorously to address these issues.

2. Stringent Measures Against Child Marriage

The Assam government has recently taken strong action against child marriages, leading to the arrest of thousands of individuals involved in such practices.

In addition to this, there are plans to enact a law prohibiting polygamy, further emphasizing the government's commitment to regulating marriages within the state.

3. The Implications for Assam's Government Employees

In an official circular, government employees have been informed that they must seek government permission if they intend to marry again while their spouse is still alive.

The circular does not specify the criteria for divorce, focusing solely on the existing spouse's status.

This rule applies to both male and female government servants and is not exclusive to any particular religious group.

4. Penalties and Consequences

Violation of this rule will lead to strict penalties, including legal actions and compulsory retirement. The government is determined to enforce these consequences to discourage second marriages without prior approval.

The Assam government has been actively combating child marriage, with numerous arrests made in this regard.

5. Legal Process and Upcoming Changes

A committee, headed by a retired High Court judge, is tasked with outlining the proposed polygamy law in Assam.

This committee has approved the proposal, and it's anticipated that Assam will need the President's approval for this law, simplifying the legal process.

Conclusion:

The Assam government's firm stance against second marriages for its employees, irrespective of personal laws, is a significant move to address issues related to polygamy and child marriage. The strict penalties for violating this rule underscore the government's commitment to its implementation. The ongoing efforts to curb child marriage and the forthcoming polygamy law further emphasize Assam's dedication to regulating marriages within the state.