Surge in Polygamy Cases: 67 Instances Recorded and Pursued in Kailali Court

Dhangadhi: The prevalence of polygamy is on the rise within the Kailali district, as evidenced by the registration of 67 cases in court. This concerning trend indicates an increasing number of men entering into additional marriages while maintaining an existing marital bond.

The intricate interplay of modernity, urbanization, and evolving societal dynamics has given rise to a surge in marital conflicts. Alongside these challenges, practices such as polygamy, remarriage, and a notable upswing in divorce rates are posing significant tests to the fabric of the community. Cognizant of these concerns, Section 175 of the Civil Code, enacted in 2074 BS, stipulates that individuals involved in or instigating polygamous unions could face imprisonment ranging from one to five years, coupled with fines ranging between 10,000 to 50,000 Nepalese rupees.

This legislative section further stipulates that polygamous marriages are inherently voided. Examining the legal records, it is evident that the District Court Kailali registered 13 polygamy cases during the fiscal year 2074/75 BS, followed by 21 cases in 2075/76 BS, and an additional 17 cases during 2076/77 BS. Similarly, 17 cases were recorded during the fiscal year 2077/78 BS.

By the culmination of the fiscal year 2079/80 BS, the cumulative count of polygamy cases had escalated to 67. Within this context, 41 cases have reached a verdict, while the remaining 26 cases remain pending before the courts. Concurrently, it is regrettable that the persistence of child marriages remains a concern within the district. During the specified timeframe, the court dealt with three instances of child marriage, all of which have since been adjudicated.

Furthermore, there have been instances where individuals have sought second marriages in pursuit of bearing male offspring. This reveals a broader narrative encompassing societal norms and aspirations.