KATHMANDU, MARCH 3
Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, has demanded additional time to conclude a bill related to transitional justice.
During a meeting of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives held on Sunday, Minister Gurung stated that although the bill was being prepared to address transitional justice, some more days were required to finalize it. He emphasized that additional debates are needed for further clarity on issues relating to the conflict victims and justice.
"Provisions such as forwarding prosecution if victims' consent is elusive, and determining punishment if prosecution is forwarded, require discussion," he informed the meeting, seeking clarity on this significant legislative process.
On the occasion, NC Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak underscored the need to adopt international standards and processes that ensure justice for the victims.
Chief Whip of CPN UML, Mahesh Bartaula, also emphasized that the rights of conflict victims to justice must not be ignored in the bill. "In any conflict case, regular legal proceedings could be adopted," he suggested.
Other members of the Committee, including Sushil Sharma, Ranju Kumari Jha, Naina Kala Thapa, Nagina Yadav, Sobita Gutam, and Santosh Pariyar, expressed that conflict victims must not be deprived of transitional justice.
Committee Chairperson Bimala Subedi, however, informed that an integrated draft of the bill will be prepared by incorporating the issues raised, and presented and passed by the Committee.
