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Nepal strictly prohibits polygamy, dual marriage, or marrying more than one spouse while the first marriage is still legally valid.
This rule applies to all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, or community.

The legal framework comes from the Civil Code Act 2074 (Muluki Dewani Samhita), which clearly classifies polygamy as a criminal offense.

Before 2002, polygamy existed culturally in some areas, but modern Nepali law ensures equal rights for spouses and protects women from exploitation, emotional harm, and property injustice.

No. Polygamy is illegal in Nepal. Nepali law recognizes only one spouse at a time. If a person marries again while still legally married:

  • The second marriage becomes invalid

  • Criminal penalties apply

  • Property and marital rights are affected

Polygamy Law in Nepal | Dual marriage Law in Nepal

When Did Polygamy Become Illegal in Nepal?

Polygamy began to be formally criminalized in Nepal through the Muluki Ain reforms of the 1960s.
It became fully punishable and explicitly illegal under the:

Today, it is one of the most strictly enforced marital offenses.

No. Polygamy is not legal for Muslims in Nepal. While Islamic law allows multiple marriages, Nepal’s civil law treats all citizens equally.
This means:

  • Muslims cannot legally marry more than one spouse

  • Dual marriage is equally punishable

  • Religious customs cannot override national law

Nepal follows a uniform marriage law, not religion-specific laws.

What Counts as Dual Marriage in Nepali Law?

Dual marriage (द्विविवाह) occurs when:

  • A person marries again without divorcing their current spouse

  • A person hides their marital status to marry another individual

  • A person falsely claims to be single or divorced

  • A married person marries abroad without declaring their Nepali marriage

All these situations are legally considered as polygamy.

Punishment for Polygamy in Nepal (2025 Update)

Under the Civil Code Act 2074, polygamy results in:

  1. Imprisonment: 1 to 5 years
  2. Fine: NPR 10,000 to NPR 50,000

If deception is involved (such as hiding marital status), punishment may increase.

Punishment for Second Marriage in Nepal

If a person marries a second partner without dissolving the first marriage:

  • The marriage is void (invalid)

  • The individual faces criminal charges

  • Jail term of 1–5 years

  • Fine between 10,000–50,000

  • Possible compensation to the affected spouse

  • Divorce rights may heavily favor the victim spouse

Courts may also provide property rights and child custody protection.

Rights of the First Spouse in Polygamy Cases

The first spouse has the right to:

  • File a criminal case

  • Seek divorce under fault grounds

  • Claim alimony/compensation

  • Seek property distribution

  • Claim child custody

  • Report emotional or financial harm

Even the second spouse may claim legal protection if they were deceived.

Is Second Marriage Allowed with Permission of the First Wife/Husband?

No, Even if the first spouse agrees, Nepali law does not allow dual marriage.
Verbal or written consent does NOT make polygamy legal.

Exceptions (Very Rare – Past Law, Not Valid Today)

In older laws, men were allowed to remarry under extreme circumstances, such as incurable illness of the first wife.
These exceptions were removed after 2017, and are no longer valid.

A spouse may file a case at:

  • District Court (for marital & property rights)

  • Police Office (for criminal action)

  • Mediation centers (for settlement attempts)

The court examines:

  • Marriage registration

  • Evidence of second marriage

  • Witnesses

  • Social media proof, photos, messages, travel records

  • Property & financial documents

If proven, the court grants compensation and punishment.

Conclusion

Nepal’s modern legal system views polygamy as harmful to individual rights, family stability, and social justice.
The law ensures:

  • Marriage equality

  • Protection of spouses from deception

  • Strong penalties for dual marriage

  • Autonomy and legal security for women

Understanding polygamy law helps individuals avoid legal trouble and protects families from emotional or financial harm.

FAQs

1. What is the penalty for polygamy in Nepal?

Polygamy is punishable by 1–5 years imprisonment and a fine of NPR 10,000–50,000.

No. Nepal follows a uniform law, and no religion is allowed multiple marriages.

3. When did polygamy become illegal in Nepal?

Polygamy was criminalized during the Muluki Ain reforms, strengthened in 2002, and fully prohibited under the Civil Code Act 2074 (2018).

4. What is the punishment for second marriage?

Second marriage without divorce results in:

  • 1–5 years jail

  • NPR 10,000–50,000 fine

  • Marriage void status

5. Is a second marriage valid if done abroad?

No. Nepali law applies even if the second marriage is performed outside Nepal.

6. Can the second wife claim rights?

If she was deceived, she may claim:

  • Compensation

  • Child custody (if applicable)

  • Legal protection under fraud and polygamy provisions

Yes, live-in relationships are legal but do not allow dual marriage.

8. Can a wife file a case if husband secretly marries again?

Yes, she can file both criminal and civil cases immediately.