Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Workers in Assam have been informed by the government that they are not permitted to get married again without permission. Despite the fact that Employee’s Personal laws allow bigamy, the state administration led by Himanta Biswa Sarma issued an order on October 20 about a clause that has been a part of the handbook for Central and state workers for many years. In August, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister, declared that his administration was ready to pass legislation outlawing polygamy in the state.
“It is hereby reiterated that as per the provisions of Rule 26 of The Assam Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1965, (1) 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. (2) No female Government servant shall marry any person who has a wife living without first obtaining the permission of the Government,” stated the order issued by Assam’s additional chief secretary Niraj Verma.
The directive said that breaking this rule might result in severe penalties, such as being forced to retire.
