Nepal Women’s Association has strongly objected to a proposed amendment in the Civil Code that could pave the way for legalizing polygamy under specific circumstances. The group called the draft law “irresponsible, regressive, and deeply objectionable,” warning that it threatens decades of progress in women’s rights.
Memorandum submitted to law minister
On Sunday, the association submitted a memorandum to Law Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, demanding that the proposal be immediately scrapped. The amendment seeks to revise Section 72 of the Muluki Dewani (Civil) Code, 2074, allowing a man to marry another woman if a child is born from a physical relationship—even if the man is already legally married.
“An attempt to legitimize a criminal act”
According to the Women’s Association, the proposal implicitly legitimizes polygamy, a practice currently considered a criminal offense. It argued that such legal changes could reverse key achievements in gender equality and reignite institutionalized oppression against women.
Usha Rawat Mishra, the association’s president, emphasized that protecting the rights of single women and their children is the state’s duty. She warned that they would not remain silent if hard-won rights are undermined.
Government’s response
In response to the backlash, Minister Chaurasiya clarified that the government has no intention of promoting polygamy and that the law will not be enacted in a way that encourages the practice.
Currently, Nepal’s civil code clearly prohibits a man from marrying another woman while still in an existing marriage. Any such marriage is automatically invalid under the law.
