Laws related to transitional justice will be amended: Minister Koirala

Published On: June 15, 2022 05:10 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, June 15: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Govinda Prasad Sharma Koirala has shared that a Bill on amending the laws related to transitional justice will be presented in the ongoing session of parliament.

Responding to the queries of parliamentarians raised on the issues relating to his ministry under the Appropriation Bill-2079 BS in today's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), Minister Koirala said that the transitional justice-related laws would be revised based on the recommendations given by the representatives from the provincial government to conclude the transitional justice and peace process.

According to him, over 50 Bills are under consideration in the House at the moment. The Minister pledged to take initiatives to convert them into acts at the earliest.

Furthermore, to sensitize and aware the citizens, aware on the Constitution of Nepal will be raised in each individual in every household through the Nagarik App. In order to revise the laws related to fundamental rights or to formulate new ones, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to facilitate without an additional budget as well.

Koirala also vowed to take forward the works of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as per the values of the Constitution and international practices. He said that the appointment of judges to the Judicial Council should be based on certain guidelines and merit rather than on personal requests.

He called for launching a social educational campaign for cultural transformation and for compliance of the laws to eliminate caste-based discrimination.

He clarified that ministers, parliamentarians and people's representatives as well as civil employees could not take double perks and benefits and underscored everyone's role in implementing the legislations made for the same.

Govt serious about Niharika case

Minister Koirala said that the government was serious about Niharika Rajput's case. Niharika, who is originally from Mahottari district, is currently staging a hunger strike in Kathmandu with her minor child demanding justice.

He further said that the government was ready to discuss the alternative ways to resolve Neharika's case since a case relating to her is subjudice in the court.