Guwahati 14th September: In a significant development, the Government of Assam has formed a five-member Committee tasked with drafting legislation to outlaw polygamy and address related issues, such as inter-religious marriage by false identity and the role of ‘Kaji’ in child marriage matters.
Devajit Saikia, Advocate General of Assam, will lead the five-member committee, which also includes Assam’s Director General of Police GP Singh, Senior Additional Advocate General Nalin Kohli, Legal Remembrancer and Secretary of Judicial Department Romen Baruah, and Secretary of Home and Political Department Biswajit Pegu (who serves as the Member Secretary of the committee).
The committee’s responsibilities include considering suggestions received from the public and reviewing three petitions opposing the legislation. If necessary, the committee will personally meet with those who do not support the legislation to understand their viewpoints. Additionally, the committee may engage with the Chairman of the Law Commission on this matter.
The committee has been given a deadline of 45 days to draft the legislation from the date of notification. This move comes after the state administration sought public feedback on the proposed legislation, receiving a substantial response.
Of the 149 suggestions received, an overwhelming majority of 146 were in favor of the bill, indicating strong public support for banning polygamy. However, three organizations expressed opposition to the proposed law. With this committee in place, Assam is making significant strides towards addressing issues related to polygamy and inter-religious marriages.