ABSTRACT
The Nepalese social structure is still based on and guided by the age-old values, norms, customs, and practices of the Hindu religion and higher Hindu rituals. The Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007, has named the right against discrimination and untouchability as a fundamental right. Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is one of the inalienable rights listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966. The Government of Nepal treats all religions equally and fairly and takes positive steps with respect to religious freedom. Besides the aforementioned constitutional and statutory provisions, Nepal is a party to various binding international instruments. The Nepal Treaty Act of 1991 explicitly provides the pre-eminence of international treaties over national laws. In ancient times in Nepal, there was no differentiation between law and religion, between law and customs.
