Can court marriage be done online in Nepal?

Court marriages, also known as civil marriages, are becoming more popular in Nepal due to their simplicity and efficiency. Court marriages are performed in the presence of a judge, rather than a religious leader or priest. Many couples prefer court marriages as they are less expensive and time-consuming than traditional wedding ceremonies. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in online court marriages in Nepal, particularly due to the ongoing pandemic. However, the question remains: can court marriage be done online in Nepal?

The answer is no. Currently, court marriage cannot be performed online in Nepal. The couple must physically appear before the marriage registrar along with two witnesses and sign the marriage register. The marriage registrar then issues a marriage certificate to the couple. This process can take a few hours to complete.

The Supreme Court of Nepal has made it clear that online marriage is not a valid form of marriage in the country. Any marriage that is not registered in accordance with the Marriage Registration Act, 1971, is considered invalid. The Act requires the parties to appear in person before the marriage registrar to register their marriage.

While online court marriages are not yet allowed in Nepal, the government is taking steps to simplify the process of registering marriages. In 2020, the government introduced an online system for marriage registration, making it easier for couples to register their marriages. However, physical appearance before the marriage registrar is still required.

In conclusion, court marriage cannot be done online in Nepal. Couples who wish to register their marriage must physically appear before the marriage registrar along with two witnesses. While the government has introduced an online system for marriage registration, physical appearance is still mandatory. It is important to follow the legal requirements to ensure that the marriage is registered and recognized by the government.