This article unpacks what Atirikta Bibaha means, when it is (rarely) permitted, and why it is largely a criminal offense in modern Nepal. Literally translated, Atirikta Bibaha means "extra" or "additional marriage." Legally, it refers to the act of a person entering into a second marriage while their first spouse is still alive and the first marriage remains legally valid.
Under Chapter 6 of the (Muluki Ain), Nepal has taken a firm stance: Monogamy is the legal standard. Therefore, Atirikta Bibaha is generally prohibited and punishable by law. The General Rule: Monogamy is Mandatory For the vast majority of Nepali citizens (specifically those governed by the Civil Code, including Hindus, Buddhists, and others), a person can only be married to one living spouse at a time. If a husband or wife marries another person without legally dissolving the first marriage, the second marriage is considered void ab initio (invalid from the beginning). atirikta bibaha
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For ordinary Nepalis, the message is clear: The days of secret second weddings are not just socially taboo—they are a criminal offense that can lead to prison, fines, and the legal nullity of the subsequent relationship. As Nepal moves toward more equitable laws, the concept of Atirikta Bibaha will likely be revisited, possibly to remove the gendered exception or to offer symmetrical rights to both spouses. This article unpacks what Atirikta Bibaha means, when