Sexual offences carry Nepal's heaviest non-homicide sentences: rape is graded 7–20 years by the victim's age, with extra years for gang rape, pregnancy, disability or weapons, and marital rape punishable up to 5 years. Domestic violence runs on a parallel fast track — protection orders, in-camera hearings and compensation under the 2066 Act.
We represent both survivors and the accused. For survivors: protection, medical and compensation claims, and shielded testimony. For the accused: these cases often rest on a single testimony, so consent evidence, timelines, medical findings and motive are examined with uncompromising care — false implication destroys lives too.
The Nepalese laws that govern this area — what each one does in your matter.
Rape graded by age: <10 yrs → 16–20 years; 10–14 → 14–16; 14–16 → 12–14; 16–18 → 10–12; 18+ → 7–10. Marital rape ≤5 years; gang/pregnancy/disability/weapons +5 years; HIV transmission adds more. Incest, custodial and child sexual abuse separately punished; compensation ordered.
7–20 yrs by age + aggravations
Fine NPR 3,000–25,000 or up to 6 months (double on repeat); interim protection orders; in-camera trial on request; perpetrator-paid treatment costs and compensation; disobedience separately punished.
NPR 25,000 / 6 mo · doubled on repeat
Identity shielding, sealed records, interim compensation and the right to be informed and heard at every stage — including bail and appeal.
Interim compensation + sealed identity
Child victims get child-friendly justice, confidentiality and compensation not less than the fine imposed.
Compensation ≥ fine imposed
Online harassment and image-based abuse additionally attract ETA Sections 47–48 and Penal Code electronic-defamation uplifts.
Up to 5 yrs for image-based abuse
Safety first
For survivors: protection orders, safe accommodation and medical examination within the evidence window. For the accused: custody response and statement control.
FIR & medical
Precisely drafted complaints; timely medical and forensic examination; preservation of clothes, messages and digital evidence.
Bail & protection hearings
Opposing or seeking bail with protection conditions; enforcing or contesting interim orders.
Shielded trial
In-camera proceedings, identity protection and careful cross-examination within the bounds the law sets for sexual-offence trials.
Compensation & appeal
Compensation claims under the Penal Code, DV Act and Victim Protection Act — and appeals on conviction, acquittal or quantum.
Punishments at stake
Rape: 7–20 years by age grade plus aggravations; domestic violence: fine and up to 6 months (doubled on repeat); both routes carry compensation, treatment costs and protection orders.
Is marital rape a crime in Nepal?
Yes. A husband who rapes his wife faces up to 5 years' imprisonment under Section 219(4), alongside remedies under the Domestic Violence Act.
Will my identity be protected if I report?
Yes. The Victim Protection Act mandates codenames, sealed records and in-camera hearings in sexual-offence cases, continuing through appeal.
I have been falsely accused. What helps most?
Contemporaneous evidence — messages, locations, witnesses — gathered immediately, plus a disciplined statement strategy. The sooner counsel is involved, the more of it survives.
General legal information for public awareness — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an advocate →