The Constitution of Nepal

Date of Publication in Nepal Gazette 20 September 2015 (2072.6.3)

Internalizing the people's sovereign right and right to autonomy and self-rule,
while maintaining freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity,
independence and dignity of Nepal,
Recalling the glorious history of historic people's movements, armed conflict,
dedication and sacrifice undertaken by the Nepalese people at times for the
interest of the nation, democracy and progressive changes, and respecting for the
martyrs and disappeared and victim citizens,
Ending all forms of discrimination and oppression created by the feudalistic,
autocratic, centralized, unitary system of governance,
Protecting and promoting social and cultural solidarity, tolerance and harmony, and
unity in diversity by recognizing the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious,
multi-cultural and diverse regional characteristics, resolving to build an
egalitarian society founded on the proportional inclusive and participatory
principles in order to ensure economic equality, prosperity and social justice, by
eliminating discrimination based on class, caste, region, language, religion and
gender and all forms of caste- based untouchability, and
Being committed to socialism based on democratic norms and values including the
people's competitive multiparty democratic system of governance, civil liberties,
fundamental rights, human rights, adult franchise, periodic elections, full freedom
of the press, and independent, impartial and competent judiciary and concept of the
rule of law, and build a prosperous nation,
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Do hereby pass and promulgate this Constitution, through the Constituent Assembly,
in order to fulfil the aspirations for sustainable peace, good governance,
development and prosperity through the federal, democratic, republican, system of
governance.
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Part-1
Preliminary
1. Constitution as the fundamental law: (1) This Constitution is the fundamental
law of Nepal. Any law inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of
such inconsistency, be void.
(2) It shall be the duty of every person to observe this Constitution.
Sovereignty and state authority: The sovereignty and state authority of Nepal shall
be vested in the Nepalese people. It shall be exercised in accordance with the
provisions set forth in this Constitution.
Nation: All the Nepalese people, with multiethnic, multilingual, multi-religious,
multicultural characteristics and in geographical diversities, and having common
aspirations and being united by a bond of allegiance to national independence,
territorial integrity, national interest and prosperity of Nepal, collectively
constitute the nation.
State of Nepal: (1) Nepal is an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular,
inclusive, democratic, socialism-oriented, federal democratic republican state.
Explanation: For the purposes of this Article, "secular" means religious, cultural
freedoms, including protection of religion, culture handed down from the time
immemorial.