The reason being, Karki has attempted to enforce the Act after he took the CIAA helm. The Act allows only 51 wedding guests and limits gold offerings to the bride or the groom at 20 grams, among other stipulations.

 Karki’s only daughter, Dr Aadhyashree Karki, is getting married to entrepreneur Rohani Thapaliya’s son, Shuva Aashis Thapaliya,  at Karki’s official residence inside the CIAA headquarters at Tangal.  His in-law, Rohini Thapaliya is the executive director of Padma Shree Limited, the country’s official distributor of Mazda vehicles. He is also a contractor involved in arms supply to Nepal Army and Armed Police Force.

Those observing the wedding preparations say Karki is under pressure not to make the marriage extravagant. “Despite his status, network and contacts, he has tried his best to respect the law,” said Bhawani Subedi, one of Karki’s aides. Subedi claimed Karki has already requested his in-laws not to exceed the number of janti (wedding guests from the groom’s side) above 51.

A source close to the Karki family said around 300 invitations have been distributed and high-profile dignitaries like the President, prime minister, ministers and chief secretaries are not in the list. From his own agency, Karki has only invited Commissioner Keshav Baral and Secretary Prem Kumar Rai. The invitees have also been asked not to bring gifts.

Karki is the first CIAA commissioner to organise a marriage ceremony in the government provided quarter.

Surya Nath Upadhyay, former CIAA chief, said he did not know whether top government officials could do such a thing. He sympathised with a rather odd position Karki has been caught in.  “He has issued a statement asking the public to adhere to the Social Behaviour Act, to discourage prodigal culture. But it’s really difficult to translate one’s saying into action,” Upadhyay said.

 Those found in violation of the law could face a fine of Rs 3,000 or imprisonment up to 30 days. In case of civil servants, s/he may face departmental action in addition to the penalty prescribed in the Act.