Bardiya and Palpa see surge in divorce cases
District courts in Bardiya and Palpa are witnessing a sharp rise in divorce cases. While divorce is no longer a taboo subject, the rapid increase in separation filings paints a concerning picture of relationship instability among young couples and migrant families.
The Bardiya District Court registered 413 divorce cases in the last fiscal year alone, making it the highest among civil cases. Of these, 356 were resolved, while 57 remain pending. Judge Manoj Shrestha noted that the number of court marriages is also on the rise, with 24 registered court marriages in the same period.
Court officials attribute this trend to several factors—including domestic violence, extramarital affairs during foreign employment, early marriages, and lack of mutual understanding. Information Officer Amrita KC highlighted how many couples marry impulsively, only to seek divorce shortly after. “We also see cases where individuals need divorce certificates to process new marriages or make national identity cards,” she added.
Moreover, Bardiya District Court saw an overall improvement in case resolution, exceeding its annual target by settling 1,718 cases—76.25 percent of its total caseload. Cases of drug abuse and extortion also remain prominent, with 135 out of 148 drug cases and 32 out of 49 extortion cases resolved.
Palpa has the same trend. The District Court reported that 60 percent of its total civil cases in the fiscal year 2024/25 were divorce-related—a striking 485 out of 814 total cases. Of these, 404 were resolved, with the rest carried over to the current fiscal year. Notably, 66 men filed for divorce, indicating a growing willingness among both genders to initiate separation.
Court officials cite early marriages, foreign employment, modern lifestyles, and quick relationships formed through social media as key drivers of divorce. “Most cases are between the ages of 20 and 30,” said Shrestedar Keshav Parajuli. “They fall in love quickly, marry without thinking, and separate over minor issues.”
Mediation efforts have had limited success—out of 211 cases sent for reconciliation, only 26 were resolved through dialogue. The rest either failed or remained in discussion. The court is also handling cases of marital terminations involving second relationships, child sexual abuse, and rape, pointing to deeper social challenges.
Legal experts warn that while the judicial system is responding efficiently, the underlying social problems need urgent attention. “Both courts show increasing divorce rates as a reflection of changing norms, economic stress from foreign employment, and lack of emotional maturity among couples,” said an official.
Officials urge young people to marry only after reaching maturity, and stress the importance of family responsibility, moral integrity, and domestic employment opportunities to curb the rising separation rate.
As divorce becomes more common, the emotional and social toll is evident—from broken families to mental health challenges and even reported suicides. The message from Bardiya and Palpa is clear that while the courts are efficiently addressing caseloads, society must address the root causes of marital breakdown.