Kathmandu (TIP): Nepal‘s Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, on Wednesday assured lawmakers that no bill, including those relating to polygamy, will be presented in Parliament.
Addressing the parliamentary session, the law minister emphasised that bills promoting polygamy, which negatively impact social values and norms, will not be tabled.
“I want to express my commitment that no bill which adversely affects society or contradicts social values and norms, such as polygamy, will be tabled in this esteemed House,” Chaurasiya said.
The minister also expressed concern over public confusion and outrage caused by speculative interpretations circulating in the media and on social networks.
“Various interpretations based on assumptions in certain media outlets and social media regarding proposals aimed at addressing some challenges in the implementation of the Criminal Code and other statutes have created misunderstanding and anger among the general public,” he said.
Chaurasiya clarified that the bill was published while the draft was still under consideration at the Cabinet’s Bill Committee. Lawmakers had raised concerns over these premature reports, drawing the ministry’s attention.
The recently proposed amendment to Section 175 of Nepal’s Criminal Code, intended to exempt polygamous unions from being automatically void if the second partner becomes pregnant or gives birth, has sparked significant legal, ethical, and constitutional concerns.
While the amendment claims to protect women and children involved in extra-marital relationships, critics argue it legitimises deception, violates the first spouse’s legal rights, and risks reintroducing polygamy, a practice Nepal has worked hard to criminalise.
Section 175 of the Criminal Code currently prohibits anyone from entering a second marriage while the first marital relationship remains valid. Enforced from Bhadra 1, 2075 (August 17, 2018), it upholds monogamous marriage and ensures that individuals are not harmed by clandestine parallel familial arrangements. (ANI)