Parliament endorses criminal code bill

KATHMANDU: The Legislature Parliament on Wednesday has endorsed the much awaited Criminal Code Bill 2017.

The Parliament brought the new code in order to update the criminal law which was earlier based on the amendment of Civil Code-1964.

After the Code is certified by the President, it would come into effect from coming August 17.

With the introduction of new Criminal Code, the traditional social practice of Chhaupadi (a social ill prevalent in the mid and far-western region of Nepal- exclusion of women from family during menstruation, by taking shelter in shed) would be criminalised.

Those forcing woman to take refuge in shed during the period would now be punished with three month's jail term and a fine.

Five bills including the criminal code have been presented in the parliament replacing the Civil Code-1964. The Criminal Code was finalised with rigorous discussion for five months.

The Code has also criminalised those involved in making anyone disappear, seizing public land and match fixing.

The parliament meeting also passed the Criminal Code Work Procedure Bill-2017.

Meanwhile, a discussion in principle has been held on health insurance bill-2017.

The Legislature-Parliament shall meet next at 1:00 pm tomorrow.