Nepal to Reconsider Marriage Age Law Amid Rising Concerns

The Nepal government is contemplating changing the minimum legal marriage age from 20 to 18 years or reducing penalties for child marriage. This move comes as officials argue that the current age limit has increased certain crimes. Lawmakers back the proposal, believing the existing law is ineffective.

The Nepalese government is considering revising its legal marriage age requirements, sparking varied reactions. A report from Monday suggests lowering the age from the current 20 years to 18, or lessening penalties associated with child marriage.

Officials argue that the current age limit has inadvertently led to an increase in rape cases. Law Minister Ajay Chaurasia has indicated that consultations with medical and psychological experts are in the final stages as the government prepares to present a bill.

Historically, the legal marriage age limit mirrored civic milestones such as voting eligibility at 18 and citizenship at 16, rendering the current 20-year requirement contentious. The proposal's supporters claim the revision would mitigate legal repercussions for consensual partnerships, which have led to severe penalties under present statutes.

(With inputs from agencies.)