Guwahati, October 25, 2025 — The government of Assam has announced that parents of individuals accused under the state’s forthcoming “love-jihad” legislation could face arrest if they harbour or support the accused, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The statement comes as the state prepares to introduce in the upcoming assembly session bills to tackle what the government defines as “love-jihad” and polygamy. “We will hold not only the perpetrators but those who enable them accountable,” the Chief Minister said, emphasising that families of accused persons must not act as safe havens or obstruct enforcement of the new law. The proposed legislation reportedly includes life imprisonment for convicted individuals and substantial fines, potentially extending liability beyond the immediate accused.
Sarma added that the state cabinet will insist on stringent mechanisms to prevent conversions through deceit or coercion, and will empower law-enforcement agencies to treat acts of facilitation or concealment as criminal offences. He said that intermediaries, relatives and guardians who facilitate or abet such marriages or conversions will face legal action.
The opposition has raised concerns that the broad wording of the proposed law could lead to misuse and target inter-faith marriages or consensual relationships. Civil rights groups in Assam have called for safeguards to ensure the legislation does not infringe on constitutional rights to equality and freedom of choice.
