Marriage, Divorce & Annulment — Muluki Civil Code 2074
Exam Snapshot
Marriage is a lifelong union of man and woman (age 20+); divorce terminates a valid marriage, while annulment declares it void or voidable from the start.
Core Concept
- Marriage: A voluntary union between man and woman under the Muluki Civil Code 2074 (s. 67). It mandates monogamy.
- Divorce: The legal termination of a subsisting valid marriage (s. 94). Requires court intervention.
- Annulment: A judicial declaration that a marriage is void (invalid from the start) or voidable (can be cancelled due to defects).
- Age Requirements: Minimum 20 years for both parties (s. 70).
Nepal Law Anchors
- Muluki Civil Code 2074: Section 67 (Definition), Section 70 (Age), Section 71 (Prohibited Degrees/Void), Section 94 (Grounds for Divorce).
Confusable Terms
| Term | Nature | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Terminates valid marriage | Marriage ends |
| Annulment | Declares invalid marriage | Marriage treated as never existed |
MCQ Traps
- Child Marriage: It is voidable, not void ab initio.
- Prohibited Degree Marriage: It is void ab initio (from the start).
- Divorce vs. Annulment: Divorce needs a valid marriage; Annulment implies a defect in the marriage creation.
Example
A marriage involving a person under 20 is voidable (annulment). A marriage between siblings (prohibited degree) is void ab initio.
Memory Hook
"V" for Void (Ab initio), "D" for Divorce (Dissolution).
Quick Revision
- Age: 20 years.
- Prohibited degree: Void.
- Child marriage: Voidable.
- Divorce: Subsisting marriage termination.