The Economic Times

Nepal weighs Romeo-Juliet clause in rape law to shield consensual teenage couples, sparks concern

Nepal is considering a Romeo-Juliet Clause to differentiate consensual teenage relationships from rape. The proposed amendment would exempt romantic or physical relationships between 16-18 year olds with a three-year age gap from statutory rape charges, provided there's no coercion or exploitation. This aims to address cases where families allegedly misused current laws against consensual adolescent unions.