The state Cabinet has amended service rules to make dismissal and disqualification from future government employment the prescribed penalties for employees found practising polygamy
Guwahati: The Assam government has tightened disciplinary action against government employees practising polygamy, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing that those found guilty will face dismissal from service and be barred from applying for government jobs in the future.
Announcing the Cabinet decision on November 3, Sarma said the government had amended the Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964, by inserting Clause 6 under Rule 7 to introduce stricter penalties.
The move builds on a government order issued in October 2023, which prohibited employees from marrying again while their spouse was alive without prior government permission, even if their personal laws allowed it. The directive was issued under Rule 26 of the Assam Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, and covered both male and female employees.
The issue was also highlighted in the 2026-27 Assam Budget presented on July 10, when Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah proposed dismissal for government servants practising polygamy.
The latest amendment formalises the stricter service penalties, extending the consequences beyond dismissal to disqualification from future government employment. The government has linked the measures to its stated objectives of women’s empowerment and gender justice.
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