Govt to launch legal aid across Nepal

KATHMANDU, Dec 13: The government has decided to launch legal aid services in all 75 districts in a bid to help the poor access legal remedy. The Ministry of Law and Justice two days ago decided to provide legal aid to poor people through the districts courts.



Under the fresh decision, those who have no access to justice for lack of money will obtain free legal service in a hassle-free manner. Lawyers on payroll (vaitanik) will provide free legal service to those deprived of it. [break]



Previously, only a few district courts were providing such a facility. “We have decided to set up a legal aid service in all 75 districts following a report by the taskforce formed to study the need for such a facility. It will help enhance access to justice especially for people of remote areas,” said Law and Justice Minister Prem Bahadur Singh.



Government officials said that the legal aid package will alleviate a long-standing problem of people in remote areas and from economically weak sections of society. “We have decided to expand legal aid coverage across the country in order to address the complaints of the deprived,” Madhav Paudel, secretary at the ministry, told Republica.



According to Joint Secretary Raju Man Singh Malla, the government will provide a basic salary to payroll lawyers for providing the service to justice seekers. “The plan will be implemented in coordination with the Nepal Bar Association,” he said. The payroll lawyers will receive a monthly salary on par with non-gazette first class officers.



Lawyers have lauded the government´s decision to extend legal aid in all 75 districts. “Providing legal aid is the government´s fundamental duty and obtaining such a facility is a fundamental right of the citizens,” said constitutional lawyer Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya. “The Ministry´s decision deserves appreciation.”



People have long been complaining that obtaining justice is expensive and a challenging task. “The fresh plan will address such complaints," said Minister Singh, adding, “It will not only alleviate the burden of the deprived but also bolster the credibility of the judiciary as a whole.”



There are allegations that Nepal´s judiciary is not transparent, speedy or effective.

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