Kathmandu: A parliamentary sub-committee under the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee of Nepal’s House of Representatives has proposed reducing the legal marriage age from 20 to 18 years. The recommendation, which has sparked a nationwide debate, stems from findings highlighting a disconnect between existing laws and societal practices in rural areas.
The sub-committee’s report is based on a study conducted in Madhesh, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim Provinces. It notes that strict enforcement of the Civil Code, 2074 BS—which sets the legal marriage age at 20—has led to unintended consequences. These include criminal charges such as rape or kidnapping filed against young couples who live together consensually but are below the legal marriage age.
The report suggests that lowering the legal age to 18 would address these legal complexities while aligning with the social realities of rural Nepal.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from child rights advocates, who warn that it could undermine efforts to combat child marriage. They argue that lowering the legal age might encourage early unions, putting adolescents at risk of health, education, and social disadvantages.
The sub-committee has also called for clearer legal definitions of consent and criminal offenses to address cases where consensual relationships later lead to accusations of rape or other serious crimes. The debate now awaits further discussion in Parliament.