Sribhumi, Assam: In a major development following the enactment of the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, police in the Sribhumi district have arrested a local Masjid Imam for entering into a second marriage without legally divorcing his first wife. The case has sparked intense discussion across the state regarding the enforcement of the new law and the protection of women’s rights.
The Case of Imam Ahmad Ali: Dowry and Desertion
The accused, identified as Ahmad Ali, the Imam of a local Masjid and a resident of Kaliganj, Baleshwar, was detained by Sribhumi Sadar Police. According to the complaint filed by the family of his first wife, Hafiza Begum, the Imam entered into a second marriage just one week after allegedly abandoning her.
Hafiza, who had been married to the Imam for nine years and has a child with him, alleged a long history of harassment. She stated that her father had repeatedly fulfilled the Imam’s demands for money and property, but was eventually unable to keep up. Following this, the Imam reportedly “kicked her out” of their home and remarried without her knowledge or consent.
Victim Seeks Justice from Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
The case took a high-profile turn when Hafiza Begum’s aunt publicly appealed to Sribhumi Superintendent of Police (SP) and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The victim has expressed fears that the legal process is being compromised. It is alleged that while the police initially detained the Imam, local “middlemen” have been attempting to influence the authorities to release him. Hafiza claimed that there has been pressure to “compromise” and return to the husband despite the illegal second marriage.
“The Chief Minister told us that second marriage is now illegal in Assam. My husband has violated this law even after we have a child. I want justice, not a forced compromise,” the victim stated.
Legal Implications under the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025
The arrest of Imam Ahmad Ali is being viewed as one of the first major tests for the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, which was passed by the Assembly on November 27, 2025.
Strict Penalties for Violators
Under the new legislation, the Imam faces severe consequences:
- 7 to 10 Years in Jail: The Act prescribes up to 7 years of imprisonment for polygamy, which extends to 10 years if the first marriage was concealed from the second spouse.
- Non-Bailable Offense: The law treats such marriages as serious criminal offenses where the police are mandated to take action without allowing for easy bail.
- Bar on Government Benefits: If convicted, the accused will be permanently barred from government jobs, subsidies, and the right to contest elections in Assam.
Accountability for “Middlemen” and Clerics
The 2025 Act specifically targets those who facilitate these unions. Any religious official (Qazi or Imam) who solemnizes an illegal marriage can be fined up to ₹1.5 lakh and face jail time. Furthermore, the law penalizes anyone—including family members or village heads—who knowingly conceals information about such a marriage.
Conclusion: A Step Toward the Uniform Civil Code
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently maintained that the ban on polygamy is a vital step toward a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam. While the law excludes Scheduled Tribes and Sixth Schedule areas to respect tribal customs, it applies strictly to all other communities, including Muslims and Hindus, to ensure “Nari Shakti” (Women’s Power) and gender justice.
As the Sribhumi district administration investigates the allegations of police misconduct and “middleman” interference, the eyes of the state remain on how strictly the 2025 Act will be upheld in this landmark case.
