Filing a case in Nepal begins with understanding whether your matter is civil (property disputes, contracts, divorce, inheritance) or criminal (theft, assault, fraud, defamation). Criminal cases start with a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station, while civil cases are filed directly at the District Court. The process is governed by the National Criminal Procedure Code, 2074 for criminal matters and the National Civil Procedure Code, 2074 for civil matters. Both codes came into effect on August 17, 2018.
| Filing a Case in Nepal — Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Criminal cases | Start with FIR at police station → investigation → prosecution at District Court |
| Civil cases | File complaint (firdaad) directly at District Court |
| Governing laws | National Criminal Procedure Code, 2074 + National Civil Procedure Code, 2074 |
| FIR modes | Oral, written, or electronic at the nearest police station |
| Court jurisdiction | District Court (first instance) → High Court (appeal) → Supreme Court (final appeal) |
| Statute of limitations | Varies by offence — 35 days to 20+ years depending on case type |
| Ward/municipality disputes | Landlord-tenant, minor disputes handled at ward level first |
How to file a case in Nepal: For criminal cases, file a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station — orally, in writing, or electronically. For civil cases, file a complaint (firdaad) at the District Court with supporting documents and court fees. Cases proceed through District Court → High Court → Supreme Court.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit nearest police station | Go to the police station with jurisdiction over where the crime occurred |
| 2 | File FIR | Report the crime orally, in writing, or electronically. Provide: your identity, description of the crime, date/time/place, suspect details (if known) |
| 3 | Receive FIR receipt | Police must register the FIR and provide a receipt/reference number |
| 4 | Police investigation | Police investigate, collect evidence, record statements, and may arrest the accused |
| 5 | Charge sheet filed | If evidence supports prosecution, police file a charge sheet at the District Court |
| 6 | Court proceedings | District Court hears the case — prosecution presents evidence, accused has right to defense |
| 7 | Judgment | Court delivers verdict — acquittal or conviction with sentence |
| 8 | Appeal | Either party can appeal to the High Court, then to the Supreme Court |
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine jurisdiction | File at the District Court where the defendant resides or where the cause of action arose |
| 2 | Prepare complaint (firdaad) | Written complaint with: parties' details, facts, cause of action, relief sought, supporting evidence |
| 3 | Attach documents | Citizenship copies, contracts, property documents, evidence, and any relevant certificates |
| 4 | Pay court fees | Court fees vary by case type and claimed amount — payable at court counter |
| 5 | File at court registry | Submit complaint with documents and fee receipt at the court registration desk |
| 6 | Court issues summons | Court reviews complaint and issues summons (tamasuk) to the defendant |
| 7 | Defendant's reply | Defendant files a written response (pratiuttar) within the court-specified deadline |
| 8 | Hearings and evidence | Both parties present evidence, witnesses, and arguments |
| 9 | Judgment | Court delivers verdict — may include compensation, injunctions, or declaratory orders |
| Case Type | Category | Where to File |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce | Civil | District Court where either spouse resides |
| Child custody | Civil | District Court |
| Property partition | Civil | District Court where property is located |
| Domestic violence | Criminal + Civil | Police station (FIR) + District Court |
| Theft / robbery | Criminal | Police station (FIR) → District Court |
| Defamation | Criminal | Police station or District Court (within 3 months) |
| Forgery / fraud | Criminal | Police station (FIR) → District Court |
| Cybercrime | Criminal | Cyber Bureau Nepal Police → District Court |
| Consumer complaint | Civil / Criminal | DCSCP / Consumer Court / Inspection Officer |
| Landlord-tenant dispute | Civil | Ward/Municipal office → District Court (appeal) |
| Contract dispute | Civil | District Court |
| Medical malpractice | Civil + Criminal | Consumer Court / District Court |
| For Criminal Case (FIR) | For Civil Case (Court Filing) |
|---|---|
| Complainant's citizenship or ID | Plaintiff's citizenship copy |
| Description of the crime (what, when, where, who) | Written complaint (firdaad) with facts and relief sought |
| Evidence: photos, videos, documents, medical reports | Supporting documents: contracts, deeds, certificates |
| Witness details (if available) | Evidence: photographs, correspondence, expert reports |
| Suspect details (name, address — if known) | Defendant's details (name, address) |
| — | Court fee payment receipt |
| — | Power of Attorney (if filing through a lawyer/representative) |
Every case in Nepal has a filing deadline. Missing the deadline means the case cannot be pursued regardless of merit:
| Case Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Defamation (slander/libel) | 3 months from knowledge |
| Forgery (private documents) | 6 months from knowledge |
| Forgery (public documents) | 2 years from knowledge |
| Cheque bounce | 35 days from receipt of non-payment notice |
| Divorce | No fixed deadline (can file anytime) |
| Property partition | Varies — consult the specific provision |
| Contract disputes | Generally 2 years from breach |
| Murder / serious offences | No time limit |
| # | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Criminal cases: file FIR at police station (oral, written, or electronic). Civil cases: file complaint at District Court. |
| 2 | Court hierarchy: District Court → High Court (appeal) → Supreme Court (final appeal) |
| 3 | Always check the statute of limitations — missing the deadline means you lose the right to file |
| 4 | Bring original documents + photocopies for both police and court filings |
| 5 | Court fees are required for civil cases — amount varies by case type |
| 6 | NRNs can file cases through a lawyer holding Power of Attorney |
| 7 | Ward/Municipal offices handle minor disputes (landlord-tenant) before escalation to District Court |
To file a criminal case:
For civil cases (divorce, property, contracts): prepare a written complaint (firdaad) with parties' details, facts, cause of action, and relief sought. Attach supporting documents and pay court fees at the District Court registry. The court reviews the complaint, issues summons to the defendant, and sets a hearing date.
A First Information Report (FIR) is the formal complaint filed at a police station to report a criminal offence. It can be submitted orally, in writing, or electronically. The police are required to register the FIR and provide a receipt. Filing an FIR triggers the police investigation process.
Most cases start at the District Court — Nepal's court of first instance. Appeals go to the High Court, then the Supreme Court. Minor landlord-tenant disputes are handled by Ward/Municipal offices. Consumer cases go to the Consumer Court or DCSCP.
For criminal cases: citizenship/ID, description of the crime, evidence (photos, videos, documents, medical reports), and witness details. For civil cases: citizenship copy, written complaint, supporting documents (contracts, deeds, certificates), evidence, defendant's details, court fee receipt, and Power of Attorney if filing through a representative.
Divorce is a civil case filed at the District Court where either spouse resides. You need: citizenship copies of both spouses, marriage certificate, written complaint stating grounds for divorce, evidence supporting your grounds, and court fees. The court first attempts mediation; if that fails, the case proceeds to trial.
Every case has a filing deadline. Key examples: defamation — 3 months; forgery (private documents) — 6 months; forgery (public documents) — 2 years; cheque bounce — 35 days. Divorce has no fixed deadline. Missing the statute of limitations means you lose the right to file.
Yes. NRNs and Nepalis abroad can file cases through a lawyer holding a Power of Attorney attested by the Nepal Embassy. The lawyer represents you in court proceedings. This is commonly used for divorce filing from abroad and property disputes.
A lawyer is not legally required for filing an FIR at a police station. For civil cases at District Court, you can represent yourself, but hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended — especially for complex cases like divorce, property disputes, or criminal defence. Lawyers help prepare the complaint, gather evidence, and represent you in court hearings.
Filing an FIR at a police station is free. Civil court fees vary by case type and the amount claimed — they are payable at the court counter at the time of filing. Divorce cases, property cases, and contract disputes each have different fee schedules. Lawyer fees are separate and vary by complexity and firm.
For criminal cases: police investigate, collect evidence, and file a charge sheet at District Court. The court holds hearings and delivers a verdict. For civil cases: the court issues summons to the defendant, who files a written reply. Both parties present evidence at hearings. The court delivers judgment, which can be appealed to the High Court.
File a cybercrime complaint at the Cyber Bureau Nepal Police, Bhotahity, Kathmandu — in person or via email to cyberbureau@nepalpolice.gov.np. Bring digital evidence: screenshots, chat logs, transaction records, and URLs. You can also file remotely via SMS to 1111 or email to 1111@nepal.gov.np.
Police are legally obligated to register an FIR when a cognizable offence is reported. If the police refuse, you can: file a written complaint with the senior police officer or SP, contact the District Administration Office, or approach the District Court directly. Refusal to register an FIR is itself a disciplinary violation.
Criminal cases involve offences against the state or individuals (theft, assault, fraud, murder) — prosecution seeks imprisonment or fines. Civil cases involve disputes between parties (divorce, property, contracts) — the plaintiff seeks compensation, injunctions, or declaratory orders. Some matters like domestic violence can involve both civil and criminal proceedings.
Case duration varies widely: simple matters may be resolved in months, while complex cases (property disputes, contested divorces) can take 1–3 years or more. Factors include court workload, number of hearings, evidence complexity, and whether the case is appealed. Mediation and arbitration offer faster alternatives for suitable cases.
At Nepal Divorce Services, Nepal's first specialized divorce law firm, we understand that taking the first step toward divorce can feel overwhelming. Our experienced divorce lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Whether you're inside or outside Nepal and need assistance with filing a divorce case, our services are accessible worldwide. Contact us at +977 9841114443, on WhatsApp, or Viber.
