NC leader Dr. Sangroula opposes polygamy legalization proposal
She further argued that the proposal would undermine women’s dignity and self-respect, while promoting inequality and division between men and women.
KATHMANDU: Dr. Dila Sangroula Panta, Central Member of Nepali Congress and Head of the party’s Professional and Intellectual Department, has expressed serious concern over the government’s proposal to legalize polygamy.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, she demanded the immediate withdrawal of the draft amendment.
Dr. Sangroula emphasized that polygamy is a criminal offense under Nepali law and any attempt to amend this is unacceptable. “Polygamy is a criminal act. The proposed amendment contradicts Nepal’s social, cultural, and moral values,” the statement read. She questioned the timing of the proposal, pointing out that there are many important national issues that require attention.
She further argued that the proposal would undermine women’s dignity and self-respect, while promoting inequality and division between men and women.
According to her, such a legal move is insulting to the general female population.
Violation of Constitutional and Legal Provisions
Referring to the Constitution of Nepal, which guarantees gender equality, and the Muluki Ain (Criminal Code) effective from 2074, Dr. Sangroula recalled that polygamy is completely prohibited under the law. “A second marriage automatically becomes void. One must dissolve the first marriage before marrying again,” she said. She stated that the draft is against the principles of gender justice and equality.
She condemned the draft as being driven by patriarchal mindsets and cautioned that legalizing polygamy would increase violence against women, domestic conflicts, sexual exploitation, and inequality in society. Dr. Sangroula warned that the proposal contradicts the Constitution, Supreme Court rulings, and Nepal’s international commitments. She urged the government to immediately repeal or withdraw the draft before it reaches Parliament.
What Does the Proposed Amendment Say?
Following reports that the government is drafting amendments to Article 175 of the Criminal Code to legalize polygamy under certain conditions, the proposal has faced widespread opposition. The draft allows polygamous marriages to stand valid if children are born from the first marriage or if the woman is pregnant, even if polygamy is punishable under current law. Under the existing law, polygamy is automatically void, and offenders face imprisonment from one to five years along with fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to 50,000.
However, Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya clarified that the government does not intend to encourage polygamy. He said the amendment is only aimed at securing the rights of children born from ‘irregular’ relationships. He added that the draft is still under cabinet discussion and should not be considered the government’s final position.
