Guwahati: In a major move toward ending polygamy in Assam, the state governor on Wednesday (September 13) formed a committee to draft appropriate legislation for banning Polygamy and other related issues, according to a notification issued by the government of Assam. Apart from Polygamy, other issues include inter-religious marriage by false identity, the role of Kaji in the matter of child marriage, etc. The committee has been asked to submit a report in under 45 days from the date of notification.
As per NFHS-5, in Assam, 2.4% of the marriages are polygynous. Assam has the widest gap between Hindu and Muslim women admitting to being in such a marriage.
Committee to submit a report in under 45 days:
The government issued notification read, ‘The Governor of Assam is pleased to constitute a Committee to draft an appropriate legislation for banning Polygamy and other related issues such as tackling inter-religious marriage by false identity, the role of Kaji in the matter of child marriage etc. with the following members with immediate effect.’
The members appointed to be a part of the committee include:
- Shri Devajit Saikia, Advocate General, Assam – Chairman
- Shri G.P. Singh, IPS, Director General of Police, Assam – Member
- Shri Nalin Kohli, Sr. Addl. Advocate General, Assam – Member
- Shri Romen Baruah, Legal Remembrancer – Member
and Secretary, Judicial Department, Assam - Shri Biswajit Pegu, IAS, Secretary, Ilomc & Political, Department, Assam – Member Secretary
The terms of reference set for the committee include taking suggestions received into consideration. The Committee will also go through the three petitions which are in opposition to the legislation and If necessary, will personally hear those who are not in support of the legislation to know their viewpoints. The members of the committee may meet the Hon’ble Chairman, the Law Commission in this regard and will submit its draft legislation within a period of 45 (forty-five) days from the date of notification.