Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced that government employees in the state are not allowed to enter into a second marriage while their spouse from their first marriage is alive. If they wish to marry again, they must seek permission from the state government. The Chief Minister emphasized the strict enforcement of this rule, citing disputes over pension claims involving the two wives of deceased government employees.
According to an ‘Office Memorandum’ (OM) issued by the personnel department, which does not specify divorce as an exception, it states, “No government servant who has a wife living shall contract another marriage without first obtaining the permission of the government, notwithstanding that such subsequent marriage is permissible under the personal law for the time being applicable to him.”
The order warns of strict action against government employees who marry for the second time while their first wife is alive. Female government employees are also subject to the same rule, they must obtain state government permission before marrying someone who already has a living husband. This notification, issued by personnel additional Chief Secretary Niraj Verma on October 20, was brought to public attention recently.
#WATCH | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on State government's circular pertaining to restrictions on more than one marriage for government employees in the state
— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2023
"This rule was there earlier, but we did not enforce it. Now, we have decided to enforce it." pic.twitter.com/1m5towe9AN
Chief Minister Sarma explained, “Any Assam government employee, according to our service rules, is not entitled to a second marriage. However, if some religions allow a second marriage, you have to seek permission from the state government.” He further noted that disputes arising from the competing claims of two widows for pensions had prompted the enforcement of this rule.
The order guidelines align with Rule 26 of The Assam Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1965, allowing the disciplinary authority to initiate departmental proceedings and impose major penalties, including compulsory retirement. Such a practice is considered gross misconduct, with significant societal implications. The authorities are directed to take necessary legal steps when such cases are identified.
It is noteworthy that this order follows the announcement earlier this year by Chief Minister Sarma that the Assam government would introduce a law to prohibit polygamy in the state.
