Brief Overview of Nepal’s Constitutions
Nepal has a rich constitutional history, evolving through various written and interim constitutions over the decades. Each constitution reflected the political and social needs of its time, gradually transforming Nepal from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic. The key milestones include the Government of Nepal Statutory Law 2004, Interim Governance Acts, Kingdom of Nepal Constitutions of 2015 and 2047, the Interim Constitution of 2063, and the current Constitution of Nepal enacted in 2072.
1. Government of Nepal Statutory Law 2004 (Issued: 2004/10/13)
During Nepal's constitutional development, the Government of Nepal Statutory Law, 2004, was the first written constitution. It was issued for the first time in Nepal's constitutional history but could not be implemented. It included Part 6, Article 68, and Schedule 1.
2. Interim Governance Act of Nepal 2007 (Issued: 2007/12/29)
This Interim Governance Act was the second written constitution in Nepal's constitutional development. It was the first constitution to be implemented in the country. It was temporarily enforced under the King's proclamation on the advice of the Council of Ministers to govern the country. This Act included Part 7 and Articles 47.
3. Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2015 (Issued: 2015/11/01)
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2015, was prepared by a Constitution Drafting Commission formed by the King. Constructed with consultation from constitutional expert Ivor Jennings and proclaimed by the King, it centralized power in the monarchy while adopting a parliamentary system. This constitution included 10 demands and 77 articles.
4. Constitution of Nepal, 2019 (Issued: 2019/09/01)
This written Panchayat constitution was prepared by a Constitution Drafting Commission formed by the King, finalized and proclaimed by the King for enforcement in the country. It included 20 parts, 97 articles, and 6 schedules.
5. Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2047 (Issued: 2047/07/23)
Prepared by a Constitution Suggestion Commission formed on the recommendation of the interim cabinet, this parliamentary-based democratic constitution was proclaimed by the King after final approval. It was the first time the monarchy was constitutionally recognized in Nepal’s history. It included 23 parts, 133 articles, and 3 schedules.
6. Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063 (Issued: 2063/10/01)
Following the 2062/063 People's Movement, a 15-member Interim Constitution Drafting Committee chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Laxman Prasad Aryal prepared the draft, which was revised by eight parties and approved by the cabinet, then presented to the House of Representatives. The Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063, formally ended the king’s authority. It included Part 25, Article 167, and 4 schedules.
7. Constitution of Nepal Enacted (Issued: 2072/06/03)
After nearly 70 years of struggle, protests, and armed revolts against autocratic rule, the Nepalese people finally enacted a constitution through an elected Constituent Assembly. This is Nepal’s first constitution made entirely by its people. It transformed Nepal into a federal democratic republic and included 35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules.
