Comprehensive Peace Accord and Interim Constitution 2063

2026-06-12

Exam Snapshot

The Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) 2063 and the Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 represent the legal and political foundation of Nepal's transition from a unitary monarchy to a federal democratic republic. For legal entrance exams, focus on the chronological sequence of events, major constitutional amendments (specifically the introduction of federalism), and the structural shifts in the executive and legislative branches.

Core Concept

• Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA): Signed on Mangsir 5, 2063 (November 21, 2006), ending the 10-year armed conflict. It served as a political roadmap that mandated the creation of a new interim constitution, the management of arms and armies, and the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms.
• Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063: Promulgated on Magh 1, 2063 (January 15, 2007) to implement the CPA. It replaced the 1990 Constitution and acted as the supreme law until the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution.
• Suspension and Abolition of Monarchy: The Interim Constitution originally suspended the King's executive powers (vesting them in the Prime Minister under Article 37). The monarchy was formally abolished during the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly on Jeth 15, 2065 (May 28, 2008).
• Constituent Assembly (CA): The constitution introduced a unicameral legislature that uniquely doubled as the Constituent Assembly tasked with drafting the permanent constitution.
• Transitional Justice Foundations: It conceptualized the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) to address conflict-era human rights violations.

Nepal Law Anchors

• Signing of CPA: Mangsir 5, 2063 (Signatories: PM Girija Prasad Koirala and CPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal).
• Promulgation of Interim Constitution: Magh 1, 2063 by the interim parliament.
• First Amendment (Chaitra 30, 2063): Explicitly incorporated the word "Federal" (संघीय) into Article 138 of the constitution following the Madhesh Movement.
• Abolition of Monarchy Resolution: Passed on Jeth 15, 2065 by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly.

Confusable Terms

MCQ Traps

• The Federalism Trap: The original text of the Interim Constitution (promulgated on Magh 1, 2063) did not contain the word "Federal" (संघीय). Federalism was formally introduced through the First Amendment on Chaitra 30, 2063.
• The Monarchy Abolition Date: The monarchy was not legally abolished on the day the Interim Constitution was promulgated (Magh 1, 2063). It was suspended, and then formally abolished on Jeth 15, 2065.
• Secularism Origin: While the Interim Constitution of 2063 codified Nepal as a "Secular State" (धर्मनिरपेक्ष राज्य), the historic declaration of secularism was first proclaimed by the reinstated House of Representatives on Jestha 4, 2063.

Example

If a question asks: "Under which legal document was the executive authority of the King suspended and transferred to the Prime Minister?", the correct answer is the Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063. Article 37 of this constitution specifically transferred the executive powers to the Prime Minister, a historic departure from the dual executive model of the 1990 Constitution.

Memory Hook

"Accord in Mangsir, Accordance in Magh" Remember: Mangsir 5 (Peace Accord) is the political seed; Magh 1 (Interim Constitution) is the statutory tree. Federalism was added at the very end of the year on Chaitra 30.

Quick Revision

• CPA Date: Mangsir 5, 2063 (Nov 21, 2006)
• Interim Constitution Date: Magh 1, 2063 (Jan 15, 2007)
• First Amendment Date: Chaitra 30, 2063 (Added Federalism)
• Monarchy Abolition: Jeth 15, 2065 (First meeting of the CA)
• Key Organs: Unicameral Legislature-cum-Constituent Assembly