KATHMANDU:  A heated debate has erupted in the House of Representatives over a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code that could legally recognize polygamy under certain conditions.

The issue was raised by several lawmakers during Monday’s parliamentary session, with strong objections coming primarily from female MPs who demanded immediate clarification from the government.

Sunita Baral, whip of the ruling CPN-UML, highlighted growing public and media discussions about the potential legalization of polygamy linked to the draft law.

She called the proposal “objectionable” and urged the government to provide clear explanations in parliament. “Polygamy is socially unacceptable and legally a crime; it cannot be legalized under any circumstances,” Baral stressed.

Similarly, Rupa Chaudhary, whip of the main opposition CPN-Maoist Centre, questioned the government’s intent. “The government seems to be covering up violence under the guise of peace,” she said.

Chaudhary warned that including such a provision would mock Nepal’s Constitution and Section 75 of the Criminal Code, demanding a truthful explanation from the government.

Rama Koirala Paudel pointed out that the debate on polygamy has gained widespread traction on social media. She cited statements by Law Secretary Parasar Dhungana, who defended the provision as a measure to protect women who bear children from married men.

Paudel condemned this interpretation as incorrect and called for an immediate correction. The draft amendment to Section 72 of the Code reportedly states that if a married man fathers a child through physical contact with another woman, he may legally marry her if he wishes. This clause has triggered social and political controversy across the country.

Despite rising concerns, the Ministry of Law has yet to issue an official detailed response. MPs have strongly demanded that Law Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya address the matter in the House to clarify the government’s position.