Sources of Nepali Law: Constitution & Muluki Codes

2026-05-16

Exam Snapshot

Sources of law exam topics: hierarchy, enactment/enforcement dates (Muluki Codes 2074), and substantive vs. procedural distinctions. Crucial: The Constitution is supreme.

Core Concept

Sources of law dictate validity within a system. Hierarchy is key:

• Constitution (2015): The supreme law of the land (Art. 1).
• Statutory Law (Acts): Muluki Codes 2074 (Enforced 1 Bhadra 2075).
• Delegated Legislation: Rules/Regulations derived from Acts.
• Judicial Precedent: Supreme Court decisions are binding (Art. 128(4)).
• Custom: Recognized if valid and not contrary to law.
• Treaties: Part of law when ratified by Parliament (Art. 279).

Nepal Law Anchors

• Muluki Codes (4): Civil Code, Criminal Code (Substantive); Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Procedure Code (Procedural).
• Enforcement Date: 1 Bhadra 2075.

Confusable Terms

• Substantive Law: Defines rights and crimes (e.g., Civil/Criminal Code).
• Procedural Law: Defines enforcement methods (e.g., Civil/Criminal Procedure Code).

MCQ Traps

• Dates: Muluki Codes enacted in 2074, but enforced 1 Bhadra 2075.
• Supremacy: Constitution is always supreme (Art. 1).
• Precedent: Only Supreme Court decisions are binding precedents.

Example

Assault: Defined as an offense by the Criminal Code (Substantive Law). The process of investigation and trial is governed by the Criminal Procedure Code (Procedural Law).

Memory Hook

C.C.C.P. : Civil Code, Civil Procedure, Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure.

Quick Revision

• Constitution: Supreme law (Art. 1).
• Muluki Codes: 4 codes, enforced 1 Bhadra 2075.
• Precedent: Binding if from Supreme Court (Art. 128(4)).
• Treaties: Law upon ratification (Art. 279).