Is polygamy legal in India?

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Detailed Solution

The legal status of polygamy in India is complex and depends on religion and community.

For Hindus (and Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs) the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 prohibits marriage of a person whose spouse is still alive. So for Hindus, polygamy is illegal (unless special local tribal law or region allows).
For Christians, under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, polygamy is prohibited.
For Muslims, under the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, a Muslim man in India may marry up to four wives, subject to conditions (equal treatment, etc.).
Some tribal communities and in certain regions special laws apply that allow or tolerate polygamy under customary law.

Generally illegal for most citizens except when governed by personal law of the Muslim community (or certain tribal/customary laws) where limited polygamy is permitted.

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