01
Supreme law
Every public body must follow the Constitution. No office stands above it.
Plain language · Civic education · Rights
Constitution in Plain Language
A short, direct guide to how Nepal's Constitution works, why authority is divided, and why no institution should hold all power in one hand.
Basics
What the Constitution is
The Constitution is the highest law in the country. It sets the rules for state power, protects rights, creates institutions, and explains how Nepal is governed.
02
Sovereignty
Power belongs to the people of Nepal, not to a dynasty, party, or individual.
03
Rule of law
Government actions must be lawful, accountable, and open to review by courts.
Who does what
Power is distributed for a reason
The Constitution separates power so no single institution can control the entire state. That is how Nepal protects democracy, prevents abuse, and keeps government working even when leaders change.
Executive
- The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers run the government
- They manage ministries, public services, and policy execution
- They are accountable to Parliament and the people
Legislature and judiciary
- Parliament makes and changes laws
- Courts interpret the law and protect rights
- Independent institutions check abuse and corruption
Current Constitution
What the current constitutional order says
Nepal's present Constitution describes the state as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialism-oriented federal democratic republican state. In plain language, that means power is shared and no one office is allowed to absorb the whole state.
01
People first
The people are the source of authority. Institutions exist to serve them, not rule over them.
02
Power is divided
The state is organised so executive, legislative, judicial, and ceremonial roles stay separate.
03
Law comes first
Any crown, council, or government office must stay within the Constitution and public law.
Rights and duties
What people get, and what they owe
Rights are not gifts from the state. They belong to the people. Duties are the civic responsibilities that help the country function fairly.
◆
Rights
Equality, speech, religion, movement, property, and protection from arbitrary power.
◆
Duties
Respect the law, pay taxes where required, vote honestly, and protect public goods.
◆
Participation
Citizens can petition, question leaders, and help shape public policy through lawful channels.
◆
Equality
No community, caste, region, or language group should be treated as less Nepali than another.
Federalism
Why Nepal is federal
Federalism spreads decision-making across the country. It helps bring government closer to people and reduces the risk of Kathmandu-centred dominance.
Federal level
Handles national policy, foreign affairs, defence, and major institutions.
Province level
Connects regional needs with local identity, culture, and development priorities.
Local level
Delivers services close to citizens through municipalities and rural municipalities.
Limits
What this means for any crown or council
A ceremonial institution can exist as a cultural or advisory body, but it cannot govern, command the state, or claim sovereignty. The people remain the source of authority.
The short versionParliament legislates. Government governs. Courts interpret. The people hold sovereignty. Any ceremonial body must stay within those limits.
Sources
Official texts and references
This page uses official constitutional sources so the language stays accurate and current.
Law Commission of Nepal
Official constitutional landing page with the current text and related legal material.
Open pageEnglish PDF
Government PDF version of the Constitution of Nepal for verification and reading.
Open PDFLegal basis
See the constitutional and legal basis page for the practical limits on any ceremonial institution.
Constitution & Legal Basis