Nawalparasi District Court

Establishment

The name “Nawalparasi” was created in the year 2018 B.S. by combining “Nawalpur” from the hilly region of the Chure range (eastern part) and “Parasi” from the flat plains of the western Chure range. Before that, this area was referred to as Palhi Majhkhand of Butwal. During the restructuring of the state, the western part from Susta to Bardaghat was designated as Nawalparasi and placed under Province No. 5, while the eastern part from Susta to Bardaghat was designated as Nawalpur under Province No. 4. Nawalparasi District Court lies in the western part—from Susta to Bardaghat—and is located in Ward No. 5 of Ramgram Municipality, Parasi Bazaar.

The Nawalparasi District Court was officially established in 2021 B.S. Historically, this region was once under the Taulihawa Court (Goshwara) as the Majhkhand Goshwara. It was later named Ilaka Court Parasi and then known as Amini Parasi. From 2021 B.S., it began to be referred to as the Nawalparasi District Court, a name that has remained to this day. Although the exact date of the court's operation before 2021 B.S. is not confirmed, the oldest available case file in the records shows a decision date of 2005|12|16, which indicates that the court was already in operation before 2005 B.S.

The court had been operated from different buildings at various locations in Parasi until 2050 B.S., when it began operating from its current location on Court Road in Ward No. 5, Ramgram Municipality, Nawalparasi. As of 2032 B.S., the court operated with only one judge, two Ditthas (then used for Srestedar and Tahashildar), two assistants (Bichari), four clerks (Bahidar), one record keeper, and five orderlies (Ardali). Over time, changes in positions and staffing levels have led to the current allocation of five district judges, one Srestedar (Under Secretary), one Tahashildar (Section Officer), three Section Officers, and a total of 76 staff members.

Jurisdiction

According to Article 126(1) of the Constitution of Nepal, judicial authority in Nepal is exercised by courts and judicial bodies as per the Constitution, laws, and recognized principles of justice. Article 127(1) of the Constitution provides for a three-tier court system in Nepal: the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts. It also allows for the formation of local judicial bodies or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as needed.

As per Article 151(1) of the Constitution, except where otherwise specified by federal law, the District Court has the authority to initiate and conclude all cases within its jurisdiction, hear habeas corpus petitions and injunction applications, and hear appeals against decisions made by quasi-judicial bodies and judicial committees established under provincial law. These jurisdictions are also outlined under Section 7 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2073.

All legal matters pertaining to Nawalparasi District fall under this court’s jurisdiction. However, in 2074 B.S., following a decision by the Government of Nepal to divide Nawalparasi into Susta East and Susta West, cases related to Susta East were transferred to the Nawalpur District Court. Since both courts now have separate jurisdictions, the number of cases registered annually in this court has decreased compared to pre-2074. Currently, around 1,700 cases are registered each year.

This court now handles legal matters concerning Ramgram Municipality, Sunwal Municipality, Bardaghat Municipality, Sarawal Rural Municipality, Susta Rural Municipality, Pratappur Rural Municipality, and Palhinandan Rural Municipality.

Functions performed by the Court

1. Initiating and resolving all legal cases within its geographical jurisdiction, unless otherwise provided by law.

2. Hearing habeas corpus petitions.

3. Hearing injunction (prohibition order) petitions.

4. Hearing appeals against decisions made by quasi-judicial bodies (such as the District Administration Office, Land Revenue Office, Judicial Committees, Forest Office, Guthi Corporation, etc.).

5. Providing salaried legal practitioners for the disabled and helpless parties.

6. Executing court verdicts.

7. Facilitating mediation: forwarding cases that can be settled through reconciliation to the Mediation Center.

8. Conducting court marriages (registered marriages).

9. Appointing guardians.

10. Appointing caretakers (Mathwar).

11. Granting permission for adoption of sons/daughters (Dharma Putra/Dharma Putri).

12. Authenticating official powers of attorney.

13. Making judicial declarations of death.

14. Declaring property as Damasahi (abandoned/forfeited).

15. Appointing managers for Guthi (trust) properties.

16. Providing legal counseling services.

17. Offering 73 types of application forms to the public free of charge.