No law to promote polygamy: Minister Chaurasiya

KATHMANDU: Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya has stated that the government is not introducing any law to promote polygamy.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Nepal Women’s Association on Sunday, Minister Chaurasiya clarified that recent media reports suggesting the government is amending the Muluki Civil Code, 2074, to legally recognize polygamy under certain circumstances are misleading.

The minister emphasized that the proposed legal amendments aim solely to protect the rights of children born out of extramarital relationships.

The government intends to hold accountable any guilty party, whether male or female, involved in such cases.

Minister Chaurasiya stressed that the government is committed to ensuring laws do not create difficulties for women and denied any intention to encourage polygamy.

He also mentioned having daughters himself, underscoring his commitment to women’s rights.

He added that if any wording in the draft law causes misunderstanding, the government is open to revising it.

However, if no legal provision is necessary to protect the rights of children born from wrongful relationships, the government will not proceed with such amendments.

The draft law is currently under review by the Council of Ministers’ committee and is not yet finalized, the minister urged the public and media not to misinterpret the government’s stance.

Some reports claimed the law would allow a person to recognize both their legal wife and a child born from an extramarital relationship, but Minister Chaurasiya clarified this is part of protecting children’s rights, not encouraging polygamy.