Nepal – exploited by older married man – young unmarried mother accused of infanticide

Abstract

In Nepal, it is considered sinful for a woman to have sexual intercourse before marriage while the male is exonerated. The female will be branded a loose character outcast by family and society. Only a small percentage of women who feel the other way and stand mentally strong or who have family support come out to seek justice. Despite the stringent law, the loopholes in the justice mechanism re-victimise female victims. We report a case where a young unmarried pregnant woman who gave birth alone was charged with infanticide.

A case report of infanticide in rural Nepal: Sociocultural perspectives and forensic considerations

“…The Nepalese judicial system is strict and would punish the culprit, who in this case is a woman. Society would label her an infidel and stigmatize her for being involved in an adulterous relationship 20 . However, the man who had unlawful contact with the woman and impregnated her would not face legal consequences.…”

“…However, the man who had unlawful contact with the woman and impregnated her would not face legal consequences. What appears to be a crime conceals a vicious cycle of victimization and re‐victimization 20 . The law should be amended to provide a rational interpretation in circumstances of suspected infanticide in which the man should also be brought under legal procedure and punished equally 20 …”

Medicolegal Evaluation of an Abandoned Dead Neonate: A Case Report

“…The legal system in Nepal too punishes the women for neonaticide, however, the offending male who made her pregnant will never be interrogated or punished. 8 As per the Nepalese Muluki Criminal Code, Chapter on Homicide, Article number 184(1), one should not abandon or leave behind a newborn. 9 If found guilty, the offender can be slammed with three years of imprisonment and a fine of thirty thousand rupees.…”

“…The legal system in Nepal too punishes the women for neonaticide, however, the offending male who made her pregnant will never be interrogated or punished. 8 …”

Futile Sexual Homicide in Nepal: A Case Report

“…Although the constitution of Nepal provides equal rights to all of its citizens irrespective of gender, the patriarchal society still considers females as an inferior member. 11 The law has demarcated a fine line on 'what sex should not be' but not what sex should be. It is the cultural norm and societal brought up that has to change.…”