The Constitution of Nepal is the supreme law of the country, officially promulgated on September 20, 2015 (Ashoj 3, 2072 BS). Drafted by the second Constituent Assembly, it successfully replaced the Interim Constitution of 2007. The extensive document is structurally organized into 35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules, and it has undergone two subsequent amendments to address geopolitical boundaries and internal administrative demands.
The constitution formally transforms Nepal into a federal, democratic, republican, and secular state that is explicitly oriented toward socialism. Sovereignty and state authority are vested entirely in the people of Nepal. It establishes a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural national identity, ensuring that the state remains inclusive of its diverse population.
Structurally, the document creates a three-tier governance system divided into federal, provincial, and local levels to decentralize power away from Kathmandu. The federal government operates under a parliamentary system with a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, while the President serves as the ceremonial Head of State.
A major highlight of the constitution is its comprehensive focus on human rights, explicitly guaranteeing 31 fundamental rights under Part 3. These rights protect individual liberties such as the right to live with dignity, equality, and freedom of expression, alongside progressive provisions for clean environment, education, health, and social justice. Additionally, an independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court is empowered with judicial review to uphold these constitutional rights.