A murder case lawyer in Nepal is a criminal defense advocate who represents individuals accused of homicide under Nepali law, ensuring their constitutional rights are protected throughout investigation, trial, and appeal.
In Nepal, murder cases are primarily governed by the National Penal (Code) Act, 2017 (Muluki Aparadh Samhita 2074) and adjudicated by the District Courts, with appeals heard by the High Court and Supreme Court of Nepal.
Murder (Homicide) cases are regulated under:
National Penal (Code) Act, 2017 (Muluki Aparadh Samhita 2074)
National Criminal Procedure Code, 2017
Evidence Act, 1974 (as amended)
Constitution of Nepal, 2015 (Right to Fair Trial – Article 20)
Under the Penal Code, intentional killing is categorized as "Jyan Sambandhi Kasur" (Offense Relating to Life) and may carry penalties including life imprisonment (up to 25 years) or other severe punishments depending on circumstances.
Nepal Police – Investigative authority
Office of the District Government Attorney (Public Prosecutor) – Prosecution
District Court – Trial court (original jurisdiction)
High Court – Appellate jurisdiction
Supreme Court of Nepal – Final appellate authority
The following individuals may engage a murder case lawyer in Nepal:
Accused person (defendant)
Family members of the accused
Victim’s family members (for private legal representation or compensation claims)
Legal guardians (if the accused is a minor)
Authorized representatives through Power of Attorney
Every accused has a constitutional right to legal counsel, and if unable to afford one, may request a state-appointed defense lawyer.
Register FIR (First Information Report) at the local police station.
Police Investigation including arrest, evidence collection, post-mortem report, and witness statements.
Detention Hearing before the District Court for remand approval.
Submission of Charge Sheet by the Government Attorney within statutory time limits.
Court Registration of Case in the District Court.
Preliminary Hearing (to frame charges).
Evidence Examination – witness testimony, forensic evidence, cross-examination.
Defense Arguments presented by the murder defense lawyer.
Final Arguments from both prosecution and defense.
District Court Judgment (Conviction or Acquittal).
Appeal to High Court within statutory deadline (usually 35 days).
Supreme Court Appeal (if applicable).
| Type/Method | Estimated Time | Complexity/Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private Defense Lawyer | 6 months – 3 years | High cost, comprehensive defense |
| State-Appointed Lawyer | 1 – 3 years | Low cost, limited resources |
| Settlement/Compensation (where legally permissible) | Case-specific | Moderate complexity |
| Appeal Process | 1 – 2 years per level | Additional legal cost |
Note: Murder is a serious state offense; settlement does not automatically terminate prosecution.
For effective representation in a murder case, the following documents are typically required:
Citizenship certificate of accused
Copy of FIR (First Information Report)
Arrest warrant (if issued)
Charge sheet filed by Government Attorney
Post-mortem report
Police investigation report
Witness statements (if available)
Medical or forensic reports
Previous criminal record documents (if applicable)
Power of Attorney (if lawyer appointed by family)
Premeditated murder carries harsher penalties than accidental homicide.
Murder cases are generally non-bailable, but judicial discretion may apply in exceptional cases.
Legal fees vary based on:
Lawyer’s experience
Case complexity
Number of hearings
Appeal stages
Estimated range:
NPR 200,000 – NPR 1,500,000+ (depending on case profile)
The court may order criminal compensation to the victim’s family under the Criminal Code.
The typical duration of a murder case:
Police Investigation: 25 days to several months
District Court Trial: 6 months – 2 years
High Court Appeal: 1 – 2 years
Supreme Court Appeal: 1 – 3 years
Total possible duration: 2 – 5+ years, depending on complexity and appeals.
Murder allegations carry life-altering consequences. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will:
Protect constitutional rights
Challenge unlawful detention
Cross-examine witnesses effectively
Present mitigating circumstances
File timely appeals
Early legal intervention significantly improves case outcomes.
A murder case in Nepal is governed by strict criminal laws and involves multiple procedural stages—from investigation to possible Supreme Court appeal. Because the stakes include life imprisonment, professional legal representation is not optional—it is essential.
If you or your family member is facing homicide charges in Nepal, consult an experienced murder case lawyer in Nepal immediately to protect your rights and build a strong legal defense strategy.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures may change. For advice specific to your case, consult a licensed criminal lawyer in Nepal.
February 25, 2026 - BY Admin