Upadhyay, who is also a former chief justice, said that the government decision to withdraw 349 criminal cases last November has promoted impunity in the country.
“Impunity and withdrawal of cases are two sides of the same coin,” Upadhyay said while launching the Insec Human Rights Year Book 2009.
Upadhyay said the government does have authority to withdraw cases under the transitional justice system and a certain due process should have been met.
“The government should have withdrawal cases of the conflict period at one go if it wanted to withdraw them,” he said.
Upadhyay also expressed dissatisfaction over government´s reluctance to implement the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission.
Related story
NHRC urges govt to end torture in custody and prisons
