Rape Laws and legal Procedures for Rape Cases in Nepal
(This article will help you to know all the information about the legal provision of rape in Nepal.)
Introduction:
Rape defined in the National Criminal Code, 2074:
If a Man engages in sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, with or without consent of girl child aged below eighteen than that will be regarded as committing rape.
Things to be taken into consideration
- Consent is not valid if obtained through coercion, undue influence, intimidation, threat, misrepresentation, or kidnapping/hostage-taking.
- Penetration of penis into anus or mouth, as well as any penetration into anus, mouth, or vagina, and insertion of objects into the vagina are all considered forms of rape.
- Consent is not valid if obtained when a person is of unsound mind.
Relevant/governing laws for rape in Nepal
The governing laws would include:
- The National Criminal Code, 2074
- The National Criminal Procedure Code, 2074
- The Criminal Offence (Sentencing and Punishment) Act, 2074
- Elements of Rape
Absence of consent, application of force, threat, coercion and occurrence of sexual penetration.
![Rape Laws in Nepal](https://lawinpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Elements-of-Rape-in-Nepal.png)
3. Forms/Categories of Rape
Rape can be classified into different categories depending on various factors. Some common categories include;
- Acquaintance Rape
- Marital Rape
- Drug Facilitated Rape
- Gang Rape
- Statutory rape
- War Rape
- Stranger Rape
- Incest Rape
- Aggravated Rape
(a) Acquaintance Rape
- Also referred as “date rape” and “hidden rape”.
- Happens between two people that know each other very well. In this form of sexual assault, the individuals implicated may have an existing social connection at the moment.
- Encompasses sexual assault perpetrated by an individual known to the victim, like a friend, associate, or romantic partner.
- Some victims may not identify acquaintance rape as such, but it’s crucial to understand that consent can be withdrawn at any time, and a previous relationship doesn’t exclude the possibility of rape.
(b) Partner Rape
- Also known as spousal rape
- Type of rape involving a person’s current or former partner, regardless of marital status.
Three types of partner rape:
- Battering rape: involving both physical and sexual violence
- Force-only rape: involving the imposition of power and control over another
- Obsessive/Sadistic rape: involving torture and perverse sexual act.
(c) Marital Rape
- Involves sexual acts without consent within the context of a marital relationship.
- It encompasses any coerced sexual activity imposed on a partner within the confines of a marital relationship, where consent is not freely granted.
(d) Gang Rape
- Gang rape is a dreadful type of sexual assault where a single victim is subjected to an attack by a group of assailants.
- Several individuals collaborate to engage in sexual assault against the victim without their consent.
- Gang rape constitutes a serious infringement upon an individual’s bodily autonomy, frequently leading to profound physical and psychological trauma for the victim.
(e) Statutory Rape
- Engaging in sexual inter-course with a minor below the legal age of consent regardless of minor’s consent.
- Occurs when one party is under the age of consent, making any involvement in sexual activity with them statutory rape, even in the absence of force.
(f) War Rape
- It occurs in different ways, like mass rape, sexual slavery, or other forms of sexual abuse, leading to significant physical and psychological repercussions for the victims.
- War rape is the term used to describe instances of sexual violence, including rape, that occur during armed conflicts or wars.
(g) Stranger Rape
- Occurs when the assailant is unfamiliar to the victim and lacks any previous connection with them.
- Stranger rape may occur in diverse environments and situations, marked by the absence of any prior connection or familiarity between the victim and the perpetrator.
(h) Incest rape
- Incest rape is characterized by sexual assault involving closely related family members, where one individual commit non-consensual sexual act with another. This form of sexual violence takes place within the context of a familial relationship.
- It occurs between,
- Parents and children
- Uncles and nieces or nephews
- Aunts and nieces or nephews
(i) Aggravated rape
- Aggravated rape is defined as rape with the use of force, threat of force, or while the victim is incapacitated or otherwise unable to give consent.
It involves:
- Coerced sex through threat of death or severe harm.
- Non-consensual acts on an unconscious or drugged victim.
- Sex acts with children under the legal age.
3. Legal Procedure of rape Case in Nepal
Rape is considered as the grievous act not only in Nepal, but globally and is considered as the serious criminal offence. On behalf of crime incident anyone can complaint to police or near family members is prioritized.
A. Procedure for complaint filing for Rape Case in the Police Station
– The procedure for filing a complaint for rape at the police station generally involves these steps:
Step 1: Complaint to be filed by the victim or someone other on behalf of the victim in the nearest police station within crime jurisdiction.
Step 2: Statement of victim to be taken by the police officer. (Here, officer may ask some questions related to the incident).
Step 3: Victim gives the statement mentioning all the detailed information of the incident, time, date and location of the incident, if known any details of the suspect and others.
Step 4: Investigation will be done by police (which includes- collection of evidence, witness examination)
Step 5: Victim’s medical examination is performed for documenting physical injuries, and obtaining forensic evidence.
Step 6: If the police through investigation finds any sufficient evidence which proves as the commission of rape, then, the police register the FIR (First Investigation Report) for further legal proceeding.
Step 7: If there is sufficient evidence to support the allegation, the suspected offender is arrested by the police.
Step 8: Interrogation is done and statement is taken from the suspect.
Step 9: The case file is sent to Government Attorney for further case proceeding in the court after police ends the investigation.
Step 9: The Government Attorney prepares the charge sheet against the suspect mentioning the evidence, witness statements, details of the commission of rape and also the proposed punishment.
Note: The Victim may ask for the female officer in case, if she becomes uncomfortable in giving statement in the police station.
Victim of rape name is always given nickname, real name can’t be disclosed in the documents and overall process
B. Legal Case proceeding of Rape in the Court
Sexual harassment is considered a grave offense, and there are established legal protocols designed to address and handle such cases. The step wise procedure in filing of sexual harassment cases are as below;
Step 1: The Government of Nepal, on behalf of the victim files the case in the court.
Step 2: Court gives the appropriate date for bail hearing.
Step 3: Statement of the suspect is taken and bail hearing proceeding is done in the Court’s Bench.
Step 4: The Judge decides whether to grant bail or orders to keep the suspect in the Judicial custody for further case proceeding.
Step 5: Trial procedure begins in the court (proceeding to be held in closed session in order to maintain the privacy of the victim).
Step 6: Examination of witness, Expert’s Opinion on any medical Report or other related matters is taken, Examination of evidence or extraction of other evidence, statement of accused and other suspect is performed.
Step 7: Case arguments between the Government Attorney and the defense council lawyer.
Step 8: The court passes any kind of order in different phase of trial process.
Step 9: After hearing both sides arguments, collection of evidence, witness examination result, Expert’s Opinion conclusion, the court gives verdict whether the suspect is found guilty or innocent in the final hearing
Step 10: At the end post hearing decides the punishment if declared guilty of crime.
5. Punishment on the commission of rape based on the circumstances and the age of the victim
Rape is a serious and grave offence; the offender of the rape shall be strictly punished according to the law of the concerned nation. As per National Criminal Code, 2074; punishment on the commission of rape be as follows;
Punishment mentioned on | Circumstances | Imprisonment |
The National Criminal Code, 2074 | A girl child below 10 years of age | 16-20 years |
Girl child of age between 10-14 years | 14-16 years | |
Girl child of age between 14-16 years | 12-14 years | |
Woman between 16-18 years | 10-12 years | |
Woman above 18 years of age | 7-10 years |
- Punishment on Other Circumstances on Rape
As per the National Criminal Code, 2074;
Offences | Imprisonment | Fine |
Marital Rape | 5 years | |
committing rape despite knowing one has any other sexually transmitted disease. | Maximum 3 years | Up to Rs.30,000 |
In case of rape by an individual aware of their HIV-positive status | 10 years imprisonment and an additional sentence of standard penalty. | – 1 lakh
|
with an individual in a workplace or while receiving professional services: | · Maximum 4 years · If the offense falls under another law, the sentence will be added to that imposed under the respective law. |
Up to Rs.40,000 |
Bestiality · With Cow · With any other animals | Not exceeding 2 years Not exceeding 1 year | Not exceeding Rs.20,000 Not exceeding Rs.10,000 |
Perpetrators committing rape while aware of their HIV/STD status | Extra sentence alongside the standard penalty. | |
with any person in his or her protection, security or custody | · Up to 3 years · If the offense falls under another law, the sentence will be added to that imposed under the respective law. | |
Gang Rape For a woman over 6 months pregnant For an infirm or disabled woman, For a woman using arms | Additional sentence up to 5 years in addition to the standard penalty | |
Detainee Rape/Custodial Rape | · Maximum 3 year If the offense falls under another law, the sentence will be added to that imposed under the respective law. | |
Rape within prohibited degrees of relationship | Additional penalties apply for incest, if applicable, alongside the standard consequences for the offense. |
- Punishment on Incest Rape
As per the National Criminal Code, 2074;
Incest Rape | Imprisonment | Fine |
Incest rape ·between a natural mother and her son between a natural father and his daughter between the step-mother and her step-son step father and his step daughter full blood elder sister and brother father-in-law and daughter-in-law within the same branch grand-father and grand-daughter or great-grand-daughter within the same branch, elder brother-in-law and sister-in-law within the same branch younger brother-in-law and sister-in-law within the same branch grand-mother with grand-son or great-grand-son within three generations, father’s elder brother or uncle with niece nephew with great mother (wife of father’s brother) or aunty father-in-law with brother’s daughter-in-law uterine maternal uncle with niece or nephew and maternal aunty, mother’s elder or younger sister with nephew mother-in-law with son-in-law.
| Life Imprisonment
4-10 years Imprisonment
3-6 years Imprisonment
|
Rs.40,000- Rs.100,000
Rs.30,000- Rs.60,000
|
6. Limitation on filing of case on rape
The limitation or the time period in order to file complaint in rape case is mentioned under the National Criminal Code, 2074, as;
S.N | Limitation | |
1. | Incest Rape | · No limitation · Can file case anytime |
2. | Commission of Rape |
1 year from the commission of the rape |
3. | Custodial Rape/Detainee | |
4. | with any person in his or her protection, security or custody | |
5. | with an individual in a workplace or while receiving professional services |
8. Effects of rape on Victim
Commission of rape can greatly affect the mental health, physical condition, and career growth of the victim. Individuals subjected to rape might endure emotional distress and bodily reactions, leading to:
S.N | Effects of Rape | |
1. | Physical Impacts | · panic attacks, physical injuries including harm to the body and genital areas. |
2. | Psychological Impacts | · Depression, anxiety, confusion, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), guilt, feelings of being powerless, frustration, embarrassment, shame, insecurity, self-blame, fear etc.
|
4. | Social Isolation | · Isolating oneself from social interaction, experiencing tension in relationship, developing hesitance towards placing trust in others, etc. |
5. | Career-related Impact | · Difficulty in concentration, loss of productivity, career disruption, withdrawal from work or school, change in career goals, decreased job satisfaction, loss of job or promotion, etc. |
6. | Impact on relationship | · Victims can feel certain strain in relationship challenges when it comes to establishing and sustaining intimate connections. |
7. | Sexual Dysfunction | · Results in sexual difficulties, issues with intimacy, trust and connect with others on a deep emotional level, physical and psychological barriers in engaging in consensual and satisfying sexual activities.
|
8. | Emotional Distress | · Victims experience intense emotions, fear and anxiety about safety, shame and guilt, anger, change in emotions and others. |
9. | Distrust and Safety issues | · Victims may have trust issues with anyone near them, may have fear of future victimization and may experience a series of insecurity. |
9. | Flashback and nightmares | · Victims experience recurring dreams, memories, flashbacks and nightmares associated with the incident. |
Please contact us today itself if you are in search of Rape lawyer for rape allegation in Nepal on +9779841933745 or email [email protected]
Disclaimer: All contains available here are for general information purposes. A proper legal solution always depends on your particular circumstances thus seek advice from an attorney who can provide assurances of the information contained herein and interpretation of it. All liability with respect to actions taken on the basis of the site’s information is hereby expressly disclaimed.