Law Minister Chaurasiya denies any move to legalize polygamy

KATHMANDU: Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, has assured that no bill, including those related to polygamy, which negatively impacts social values and norms, will be presented in Parliament.

Speaking during the zero hour of Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting, Minister Chaurasiya sought time from Speaker Devraj Ghimire to respond to queries raised by lawmakers.

He firmly stated, “I want to express my commitment that no bill which adversely affects society or contradicts social values and norms, such as polygamy, will be tabled in this esteemed House.”

Minister Chaurasiya also expressed concern over the confusion and outrage among the public due to speculative interpretations circulating in the media and social networks.

“Various interpretations based on assumptions in certain media outlets and social media regarding proposals aimed at addressing some challenges in the implementation of the Criminal Code and other statutes have created misunderstanding and anger among the general public,” he said.

Clarifying further, Minister Chaurasiya emphasized that no one can agree to draft laws that would disrupt the existing social order.

“No one can agree to draft legislation that disrupts the social order,” he reiterated.

He also informed the House that some media reports and social media discussions regarding the bill were published while the draft was still under consideration at the Cabinet’s Bill Committee.

Lawmakers had raised concerns over these premature reports, drawing the attention of his ministry.