KATHMANDU: Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya has clarified that the government is not introducing any law aimed at promoting polygamy.

Receiving a memorandum from the Nepal Women’s Association on Sunday, he dismissed recent media reports suggesting that the government is proposing amendments to the Civil Code Act, 2017, to legitimize polygamy under certain conditions.

Chaurasiya explained that the proposed amendment has been misinterpreted. The government’s intention, he said, is to ensure the rights of children born from deceitful relationships, not to encourage polygamy.

The draft amendment seeks to address issues where men or women, by concealing their marital status, form relationships that result in childbirth. In such cases, the law aims to protect the rights of the child and ensure accountability of the individuals involved.

He emphasized that the legal provisions against polygamy remain intact and that the proposed revisions are solely focused on safeguarding child rights and ensuring just compensation in cases of deception.

The Minister also underlined that the draft is still under discussion at the cabinet committee and has not been finalized.

Chaurasiya assured that no law will be brought that undermines women’s rights or makes life difficult for them.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to women-friendly legislation and urged against spreading misinformation until the draft is officially endorsed.