Criminal law in Nepal is governed by the National Penal (Code) Act, 2074 (2017), popularly known as the Muluki Aparadh Samhita. It was authenticated in October 2017 and came into force on 17 August 2018, replacing the criminal provisions of the older 1963 Muluki Ain and updating Nepal’s criminal law to align with the 2015 Constitution’s human rights guarantees. A companion Criminal Procedure (Code) Act, 2074 governs how criminal cases move through the courts.
nBy Adv. Niranjan Lal Rajbhandari
nnnNepal’s Court Structure for Criminal Cases
Criminal cases in Nepal generally begin at one of the 77 District Courts — including the Kathmandu District Court, where our office regularly appears — with appeals going to one of 7 High Courts at the provincial level, and finally to the Supreme Court as the final appellate authority. Bail may be available depending on the offense and the court’s assessment of the case; we advise clients on their bail options as early as possible in a matter, since this can significantly affect the course of a case.
Supreme Court
Final Appeal
High Courts
Provincial Appeal
District Courts
Trial Court — Cases Begin Here
Hover or tap a level for details.
Provisions according to Criminal Law in Nepal
The Criminal Code of Nepal 2017 includes a wide range of provisions covering various types of criminal offenses. Some of the key provisions include:
Offenses Against the Person: The code includes provisions for offenses such as murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, and causing injury. It also includes new provisions for offenses such as domestic violence, acid attacks, and human trafficking.
Offenses Against Property: The code includes provisions for offenses such as theft, robbery, extortion, and fraud. It also includes provisions for offenses related to money laundering and cybercrime.
Offenses Against Morality: The code includes provisions for offenses such as rape, sexual harassment, and prostitution. It also includes provisions for offenses related to pornography, and now also recognized rape within marriage as criminal offense.
Offenses Against Public Order: The code includes provisions for offenses such as rioting, unlawful assembly, and incitement to violence.
Offenses Against the State: The code includes provisions for offenses such as treason, sedition, and espionage.
Provisions for the Protection of Women and Children: The code includes specific provisions for the protection of women and children, including provisions for offenses such as domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking of women and children.
Provisions for the Protection of Victims and Witnesses: The code includes provisions for the protection of victims and witnesses, including measures such as witness protection programs, and provisions for the withholding of the name and address of a victim or witness in certain cases.
Provisions for the Rights and Protection of Person with Disability: The code includes provisions for the protection of persons with disabilities, including provisions for offenses such as discrimination and abuse of persons with disabilities, and provisions for accessibility in criminal justice system.
The code also includes provisions for the procedure of arrest, trial, and appeals, and for the rights of accused persons. It also includes provisions for the rights of persons with disabilities and for the protection of children.
2026 Reform Discussion
A government task force completed a study in May 2026 recommending a narrower provision to distinguish consensual adolescent relationships from statutory offenses, but no bill has been finalized or introduced in Parliament as of this writing. We monitor proposed reforms like this and advise clients under the law currently in force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does a criminal case in Nepal begin?
Almost always at one of the 77 District Courts, with appeal to one of 7 provincial High Courts and, in limited circumstances, a final appeal to the Supreme Court.
Can I get bail in Nepal?
It depends on the offense charged and the court’s assessment of the case. We advise clients on their bail options as early as possible, since it can significantly affect the course of a matter.
Does Nepal’s criminal code cover cybercrime?
The National Penal Code addresses some property offenses related to money laundering and cybercrime, but the primary and most-used cybercrime provisions still sit in the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 — see our Cyber Law in Nepal page.
Last reviewed: August 2026.
Speak With Our Attorneys
Our criminal defense matters are handled by Adv. Niranjan Lal Rajbhandari and Senior Advocate Bhumishwor Sharma Gautam. Contact Kaligandaki Law Firm as early as possible if you are facing a criminal complaint or investigation in Nepal.
