Marriage, Divorce, and Annulment Under Nepal's Muluki Civil Code 2074
Marriage is a fundamental social and legal institution, but not all marriages last. The Muluki Civil Code 2074 of Nepal defines marriages as valid, void, or voidable, each with distinct legal implications. A valid marriage meets all legal and social criteria, granting rights like inheritance and spousal support. A void marriage is legally nonexistent from the start due to reasons like bigamy or lack of consent. A voidable marriage remains valid until legally challenged for reasons such as fraud, coercion, or incapacity. Divorce legally ends a valid marriage, allowing both parties to remarry, while annulment treats a void or voidable marriage as if it never existed. Understanding these differences ensures legal protection and informed decisions when dealing with marriage dissolution.