Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told legislators the bill was not aimed at any religion, insisting that “true Islamic people will welcome this.” He argued that Islam does not endorse polygamy and pointed to countries such as Turkey and Pakistan as examples where restrictions exist. 

The opposition AIUDF opposed the legislation, with party MLA Aminul Islam arguing it contravened constitutional provisions.

The law also targets those who facilitate polygamous marriages. Parents, community leaders and religious figures involved in conducting or concealing such unions could face up to two years in jail. 

Repeat offenders will face harsher penalties, although specific terms have not yet been outlined.

Individuals convicted under the act will be barred from government jobs, state-funded schemes and contesting elections . 

Polygamy will now be treated as a cognisable offence, enabling police to arrest without a warrant and begin investigations immediately.

Victims of unlawful polygamous marriages will be eligible for financial compensation, assessed and awarded by a government-appointed authority.

The legislation excludes areas under the Sixth Schedule — including the Bodoland Territorial Region and the hill districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong — as well as members of Scheduled Tribes.

The bill was introduced on the opening day of the assembly’s winter session, following heated debate on its implications for personal laws and the rights of minority and tribal communities.

Xu alleged that Tang still owes him the money after he transferred large sums to her between 2012 and 2018. He says she has returned part of the funds but not the full amount, prompting him to file a lawsuit this year.

Tang has rejected the accusations, stating that the money was used to support what she called their “big family of 300 children.” She claimed on social media that the vast majority of the funds were spent on living costs and childcare expenses.

When questioned online, Tang insisted the number was not exaggerated, saying it could even be under-reported. She also said many of the children lack official household registration documents.

Tang further claimed that a recent court hearing ended in her favour, dismissing Xu’s demand for repayment. She said she is now raising 11 children said to have been fathered by Xu and is fighting for custody of their two daughters.

Duoyi Network responded with a public statement, accusing an unnamed individual of spreading false information and urging social media platforms to remove damaging posts.

The controversy has rekindled criticism of Xu, who has previously faced accusations of promoting misogynistic and polygamous views. He once publicly stated his ambition to father at least 50 “high-quality sons.”

The claims have sparked widespread anger online, with many users questioning the ethical and legal implications if the allegations are true.

The case continues to dominate Chinese social media, where calls are growing for authorities to investigate the extraordinary claims surrounding the tech entrepreneur.