Home Minister proposes either lowering marriage age or Romeo-Juliet model

Kathmandu / March 23: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has proposed two potential changes regarding the legal age for marriage, as part of an ongoing amendment process to the Child Act.

During a discussion in the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives on Sunday, Minister Lekhak highlighted the need for serious consideration of the age restriction for marriage.

Minister Lekhak said that two options are under discussion: lowering the marriage age to 18 or adopting the Romeo-Juliet model. He mentioned that the Cabinet is currently reviewing the amendment bill, which might either lower the legal age of marriage or introduce the ‘Romeo-Juliet’ model.

The model involves permitting physical relationships between those aged 16 to 18 without it being considered statutory rape, provided certain conditions are met.

While noting that international references exist for both approaches, Minister Lekhak emphasized the importance of careful consideration before proceeding with either option and called on lawmakers for further deliberation and suggestions.