Dispur: In May, the Assam government formed a committee comprising four members. This committee has recently submitted a report asserting that the state legislature holds the necessary legal authority to enact a law aimed at eradicating polygamy. Consequently, the government has initiated the process of formulating such a law.
On Monday, the Home and Political Department of the Assam government issued a public notice, welcoming input from the general public regarding the proposed legislation.
Earlier, in May, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had declared the state's intention to use "legislative action" to proscribe polygamy. To assess the legal viability of this action, the four-member committee was established. The committee was headed by retired Gauhati High Court judge Rumi Phukan and included members such as Assam Advocate General Debajit Saikia, Assam Additional Advocate General Nalin Kohli, and HC advocate Nekibur Zaman.
In their report, which was submitted earlier this month, the committee affirmed that laws endorsing monogamy do not contravene Article 25 of the Constitution. This article guarantees freedom of conscience and the liberty to profess, practice, and propagate religion. The committee emphasized that these rights are not absolute but are subject to considerations of public order, morality, health, and legislative provisions intended for social welfare and reform.
Members of the public are encouraged to contribute their input regarding the forthcoming law aimed at prohibiting polygamy within the State of Assam. Suggestions can be conveyed via email to 'lawonpolygamy@assam.gov.in' or submitted to the Principal Secretary of the Assam government's Home & Political Department at Assam Secretariat, Dispur-781006. Submissions can be made either through traditional mail or email to 'home.assam@gov.in'. The deadline for submitting suggestions is August 30, 2023.
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