Property Rights of Daughters in Nepal: Laws, Court Cases, and Progress
Property rights of daughters in Nepal have evolved dramatically over recent decades, moving from discriminatory traditions to constitutional guarantees of equality. Historically, patriarchal norms and outdated legal systems restricted daughters from inheriting ancestral property, especially after marriage. However, landmark legal reforms, including the Muluki Civil Code 2017 and the Constitution of Nepal 2015, now provide daughters with equal rights to parental property. Additionally, transformative Supreme Court decisions, like the Meera Kumari Dhungana case, have invalidated gender-based barriers in inheritance laws. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in local implementation due to lingering social biases. This comprehensive guide explores the legal history, current rights, major court cases, and remaining obstacles in achieving true equality in property rights for daughters in Nepal. Promoting legal awareness and societal change is key to ensuring women can fully exercise their constitutional rights to inheritance and economic independence.