Introduction to Inter-Caste Marriage in Nepal
Inter-caste marriage in Nepal refers to the legal union between two individuals belonging to different castes or ethnic communities. While the Nepalese Constitution 2015 guarantees the right to equality (Article 18) and explicitly prohibits caste-based discrimination, social acceptance of inter-caste marriage still varies across different regions and communities. Legally, inter-caste marriages are recognized under the National Civil Code 2074 (2017), particularly under Part 4 (Family Law), Chapter on Marriage. In 2025, the government of Nepal continues to encourage inter-caste marriages through incentive programs and legal protections, ensuring that such unions are treated equally under the law. Medha Law and Partners Is a leading law firm in NEPAL.
What Is a Legally Recognized Inter-Caste Marriage?
A legally recognized inter-caste marriage in Nepal is a marriage between two consenting individuals from different castes, registered under the provisions of the National Civil Code 2074. The law treats inter-caste marriages the same as any other form of marriage. Article 70 of the National Civil Code outlines the conditions for a valid marriage, which include mutual consent, minimum age requirement, and absence of existing legal marital bonds. The law is caste-neutral and does not impose any additional requirements based on caste.
The Constitution of Nepal 2015 (Article 18) guarantees the right to equality before the law. Article 24 further prohibits untouchability and discrimination based on caste. Any person attempting to obstruct or interfere with a legally valid inter-caste marriage may be subject to legal consequences under the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2068 (2011).
Who Can Register an Inter-Caste Marriage in Nepal?
Nepali citizens of legal marriageable age, irrespective of their caste, ethnicity, religion, or social background, can register an inter-caste marriage. In cases of mixed-caste marriages involving foreign nationals, at least one party must be a Nepali citizen. Foreign nationals are eligible to register their marriage with a Nepali citizen after fulfilling the documentation and legal requirements as per the Immigration Rules and the National Civil Code.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Both parties must be at least 20 years old
- Both must provide free and informed consent
- Neither party should be currently married
- Both must be mentally sound
- No blood relation as prohibited by law (up to seven generations from the paternal side and five generations from the maternal side)
What Are the Legal Requirements for Registration?
To register an inter-caste marriage in Nepal, the following legal requirements must be met:
- Minimum Age: Both individuals must have completed 20 years of age without parental consent, or 18 years with consent.
- Consent: Free and full consent from both parties is mandatory.
- Marital Status: Both individuals must be unmarried at the time of registration.
- Mental Soundness: Both must be mentally competent to understand the nature and consequences of marriage.
- Caste-Neutral Law: The law does not distinguish based on caste; however, caste details may be recorded optionally for government incentive schemes.
What Documents Are Needed for Inter-Caste Marriage?
Applicants must submit the following documents for inter-caste marriage registration:
- Citizenship Certificate of both individuals
- Single Status Affidavit from both parties (“Bachelor Certificate”)
- Recent passport-size photographs (generally 2 each)
- Application form for marriage registration
- Identity documents of two adult witnesses (Citizenship copies)
- Residence recommendation letter (if applicable)
- Caste declaration letter (optional for government incentive)
- Parental consent (if either party is under 20 years old)
- If one party is a foreigner:
- No Objection Certificate from home embassy
- Copy of passport with valid visa
- Translation of documents into Nepali (if not in Nepali or English)
How to Register an Inter-Caste Marriage in Nepal?
Marriage registration follows these procedural steps:
- Visit the local Ward Office where either party resides.
- Fill out the application form for marriage registration.
- Submit the required documents with photographs.
- Provide details of two adult witnesses who were present during the marriage.
- Officials verify the documents and interview both parties.
- If approved, marriage is registered in the official marriage register.
- A marriage registration certificate is issued.
If one partner is a foreigner, the application must be submitted to the District Administration Office (DAO), which requires a police report and verification from the Department of Immigration.
Where to Submit Marriage Registration Documents?
Depending on the nature of the couple, the following offices handle marriage registration:
- Local Ward Office – for marriages between Nepali citizens residing in the same or different wards.
- Municipality Office – in municipalities where Ward Offices are decentralized or unavailable.
- District Administration Office (DAO) – for marriages involving a foreign national partner.
What Is the Timeframe for Registration Completion?
The typical processing time for inter-caste marriage registration is:
- 1 to 3 working days at the Ward Office for local Nepali couples
- 7 to 15 working days at the DAO for foreigner-involved marriages (due to document verification and police clearance)
What Are the Government Fees and Legal Costs?
The general cost structure includes:
- Application and Registration Fee at Ward Office: NPR 100 to NPR 500
- Notarization/Attestation Charges: NPR 100 to NPR 200 per document
- Legal Documentation and Affidavit Drafting (if done through law firm): NPR 2,000 to NPR 5,000
- Translation and Notary for Foreign Documents: NPR 2,000 to NPR 4,000
Checklist for Inter-Caste Couples Before Applying
- Citizenship copies (both)
- Photographs (2 each)
- Single status affidavit
- Parental consent letter (if under 20)
- Caste declaration form (for incentive)
- Residence proof
- Witnesses with ID copies
- For foreigner: Passport, visa, No Objection Letter, translated documents
Which Laws Govern Inter-Caste Marriage in Nepal?
The following laws regulate and protect inter-caste marriages:
- National Civil Code 2074 (Part 4 – Marriage Chapter)
- The Constitution of Nepal 2015 – Article 18 (Right to Equality), Article 24 (Prohibition on Caste-Based Discrimination)
- Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2068
- Immigration Rules (for foreign spouses)
- Local Government Operation Act, 2074
What Authorities Handle Inter-Caste Marriage Registration?
The primary authorities include:
- Ward Chairperson and Office Staff – accept and verify applications
- Municipality or Rural Municipality Office – oversee registration and record keeping
- Chief District Officer (CDO) at DAO – for cases involving foreign nationals
- Immigration Department – if foreigner involved
Common Problems and How to Resolve Them
- Social Opposition – Seek legal protection under caste discrimination laws. Report harassment to police or National Human Rights Commission.
- Document Rejection – Ensure accuracy, correct names and translations. Re-verify with issuing authority.
- Witness Issues – Bring reliable witnesses with proper citizenship documents.
- Verification Delays – Follow up regularly. Engage legal support if delay is excessive.
What Legal Services Are Available for Support?
Medha Law and Partners provides the following services:
- Consultation on legal requirements and eligibility
- Drafting and notarizing single status affidavits
- Preparation and review of marriage registration documents
- Assistance with parental consent documentation
- Legal representation at Ward or DAO
- Guidance on inter-caste marriage incentives
- Legal remedies for caste-based harassment
How to Access Government Incentives and Support
The Ministry of Home Affairs and various provincial governments provide cash incentives to promote inter-caste marriages. In 2025, such benefits require:
- Proof of marriage registration
- Caste declaration from both sides
- Bank account of both spouses
- Application submitted to the District Administration Office
- Income or residency verification (as per local guidelines)
Some provinces offer NPR 100,000 to NPR 200,000 as one-time support. Couples should apply within 30 days of marriage registration.