www.lawcommission.gov.np Part-1 Preliminary 1. Constitution as Fundamental Law: (1) This Constitution is the fundamental law of Nepal. Any law inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void. (2) It shall be the duty of every person to uphold this Constitution. 2. Sovereignty and State Power: The sovereignty and State power of Nepal shall be vested in the Nepali people. It shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Constitution. 3. Nation: All the Nepali people, with multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, multicultural characteristics and in geographical diversities, and having common aspirations and being united by a bond of allegiance to national independence, territorial integrity, national interest and prosperity of Nepal, collectively constitute the nation. 4. State of Nepal: (1) Nepal is an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialism-oriented, federal democratic republican State. Explanation: For the purposes of this Article, "secular" means religious, cultural freedoms, including protection of religion and culture handed down from time immemorial. (2) The territory of Nepal shall comprise the following:(a) The territory existing at the time of commencement of this Constitution, and (b) Such other territory as may be acquired after the commencement of this Constitution. 5. National Interest: (1) Safeguarding of the freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, nationality, independence and dignity of Nepal, the rights of the Nepali people, border security, economic wellbeing and prosperity shall be the basic elements of the national interest of Nepal. (2) Any conduct and act contrary to the national interest shall be punishable in accordance with the federal law. 3