KATHMANDU, MARCH 14

A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court (SC) demanding legal status for cohabitation.

Advocate Anu Bhattarai lodged the petition at the SC on Thursday, seeking a verdict to establish laws for the systematic practice of cohabitation, given the increasing number of cohabitation cases.

Bhattarai has asked the SC to issue a mandamus order to formalize cohabitation, allowing legally eligible individuals to engage in this practice.

The writ petition argues that laws are necessary to eliminate the taboos associated with cohabitation, address issues such as rape allegations and establishing relationships, and prevent character assassination, among other concerns.

The petitioner has requested the SC to determine the eligible age group for cohabitation and whether married individuals are permitted to cohabit.

According to the petition, unmarried individuals, divorcees, widows, or separated males or females over 18 years of age should be legally eligible for cohabitation.

Additionally, the petitioner has urged for clear guidelines regarding the basis and reasons for separation if cohabiting individuals wish to separate due to mutual misunderstandings, family pressure, or other personal reasons.

The SC is scheduled to hear the case on March 17.