Kathmandu, Aug 9 (IANS): Nepal's top anti-corruption body has issued a stern warning to the public not to spend lavishly on social ceremonies like weddings and birthdays.

The order by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) says the number of guests for a wedding procession must not exceed 51 and gold offering to the bridegroom should not exceed 20 grams, Xinhua reported.

Agni Kharel, a leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist, the third largest party in the country, was all set to hold a grand reception for his son's marriage. But he abruptly cancelled the reception even after distributing invitation cards, saying he would abide by the country's law.

"I fully respect the country's laws and regulations, so I cancelled the reception," Kharel said.

The CIAA has also called on the public to monitor extravagant spending in social functions by government officials, and report them to the organisation.

Violators will be be fined or imprisoned for up to 30 days.

"Extravagant and unnecessary expenditures on social functions have given rise to social disparities," the CIAA notice said.

The CIAA edict is not new since the Social Behaviour Reform Act of 1976, which was promulgated almost four decades ago, has a similar provision that was never fully implemented.