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Marriage LawVERIFIED NEPAL LEGAL TERM
Balbibaah (बालविवाह)
English Equivalent:Child Marriage
Definition Summary
"An illegal marriage where one or both parties are under 20 years of age."
Detailed Explanation
Balbibaah is a criminal offense in Nepal. Any marriage registered where either partner is under 20 years of age is void.
Legal Basis in Nepal Law
Muluki Civil Code 2074, Section 71 and Criminal Code 2074.
Practical Example
The court will reject any marriage application and prosecute parties involved in balbibaah.
Marriage Laws and Registration Procedures in Nepal
Marriage registration in Nepal is governed strictly by the Muluki Civil Code 2074 (Chapter 2, Sections 67 to 84). Both parties must meet the legal requirements to secure a valid marriage certificate.
Key Statutory Rules:
- Age Requirement: Both the bride and groom must have completed 20 years of age. Any marriage below this age is considered child marriage (Balbibaah) and is legally void.
- Monogamy Rule: Polygamy (Bahubibaah) is strictly prohibited. Neither party can have a living spouse at the time of registration.
- Consanguinity Prohibitions: The parties must not be within prohibited degrees of relationship (blood relations), except where local customs permit.
- Jurisdiction: For court marriage, at least one applicant must have resided in the district for at least 15 days, verified by a residency recommendation from the local ward office.
Required Documentation:
- Original Citizenship Certificates (Nagarikta) of the couple and witnesses.
- Official Single Status Certificate (Avibahit Pramanpatra) issued by the respective local ward office.
- Residency proof letter (Basobas Sifaris) if registering in a district other than the permanent address.
- Recent passport sized photographs of the couple and witnesses.