Assam Govt To Table Bills On 'Love Jihad', Polygamy in Next Assembly Session: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

The government of Assam will introduce several bills addressing issues such as 'love jihad' and polygamy in the upcoming Assembly session, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced.

In response to a question about introducing new bills, Sarma said, "In the upcoming session of the Assam Assembly, we will introduce several new bills, including measures against 'love jihad,' polygamy, and for the preservation of Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries). We will also discuss land rights for tea garden laborers, along with other bills in the Assembly session."

The Assembly session is likely to take place next month.

More details regarding the bills will be shared after the cabinet approves the draft bills, the Chief Minister said.

Sarma has repeatedly spoken out on 'love jihad,' and these measures highlight his administration's push to regulate interfaith marriages and eliminate polygamy in the state.

Earlier, the Assam cabinet had approved "The Assam Satra Preservation and Development Board Bill, 2025" which will be a statutory body to ensure protection, preservation, management, maintenance and sustainable development of Satras and their lands.

Satras in Assam are Vaishnavite monasteries that are important centres for religious, cultural, and spiritual life, and the Vaishnavite Satra culture started in the 16th century.

Earlier, the Assam government decided to establish a Satra Commission with quasi-judicial powers for the protection of the state's Satras and their lands.

The decision was taken during the state cabinet meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati on October 16 under the Chairmanship of CM Biswa Sarma.

The state cabinet has approved the "Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025" to safeguard the sacred heritage institutions, promote their cultural and economic potential, and ensure their legacy for future generations through a blend of modern governance and reverence for tradition.

"Under the bill, a Commission will be established that will secure Satra lands from encroachment and disputes via transparent governance, while promoting sustainable economic growth through heritage tourism and Satriya arts.

It will further safeguard Vaishnavite heritage through a digital repository for lands, artefacts, and manuscripts, ensuring global accessibility and preservation," CM Biswa Sarma said.

A retired Judge of a High Court, appointed by the State Government, will be the chairman of the commission. At the same time, the Member Secretary will be Director of Land Requisition, Acquisition and Reforms, Assam (ex officio), two members - Representatives of Satra institutions nominated by the State Government, one member - a retired Civil Servant (not below the rank of Secretary) experienced in land administration. 

(With inputs from ANI)