KATHMANDU: The ongoing controversy over a draft provision in the Criminal Code that could potentially grant legal recognition to polygamy has reached the floor of the House of Representatives.
Several lawmakers, particularly women MPs, on Monday expressed strong objections and demanded clarification from the government.
CPN-UML lawmaker Sunita Baral said media reports and public discussions had intensified over the possibility of legalizing polygamy through the new Criminal Code provisions.
“This issue is linked to the Criminal Code that is currently under review. The provision suggesting recognition of polygamy is objectionable,” she said, urging the government to immediately clarify its stance in parliament. “Polygamy is socially unacceptable and a criminal offense under the law; it cannot be legalized under any circumstances.”
Similarly, lawmaker Rupa Chaudhary questioned the government’s intentions, accusing it of attempting to conceal injustice.
“The government’s actions are like covering a heap of violence with a mat and then releasing a dove of peace,” she said. She argued that if such a provision exists, it undermines the Constitution of Nepal and Article 75 of the Criminal Code, and demanded a clear explanation from the government on the authenticity of the reports.
Lawmaker Rama Koirala Poudel noted that the debate over polygamy had gone viral on social media. Citing comments made by Law Secretary Parashar Dhungana, she said, “The law secretary has claimed that the provision is intended to protect women who have children with married men, so they do not suffer. If this is true, it is a flawed justification and must be corrected immediately.”
The Ministry of Law has yet to issue a detailed official statement on the matter. However, lawmakers have called on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya to address parliament directly on the issue.
The debate centers on new legal amendments to the Criminal Code, with some draft language reportedly allowing polygamy under certain conditions. The issue has sparked fierce controversy in both social and political circles, and it has now become a heated subject in parliament as well.
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