17 August 2024, Kathmandu: Advocacy Forum-Nepal (AF), in collaboration with the High Court Attorney Office Nepalgunj, High Court Bar Association and Public Interest Litigation Lawyers’ Group, organised an interaction programme in Nepalgunj on Saturday on the occasion of Criminal Code Day 2024.
At the event, Joint Attorney at High Court Attorney Office Umakanta Poudel and Public Interest Litigation Lawyers’ Group Deputy Coordinator Advocate Lok Bahadur Shah gave presentations on the specialities of legal provisions in the Penal Code and the status of implementation of the law.
Poudel, in his presentation, said that the Penal Code is in line with international human rights laws and conventions. It has followed the established principles of criminal justice, he said. Shah’s presentation focused on the problems encountered in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. He said that the police investigation does not always adhere to the law and there is a need to protect the victim’s right to justice and the accused’s rights while carrying out investigation and prosecution.
Speaking in the programme, Judge Punam Singh Chand at the High Court Tulsipur’s Nepalgunj Bench said that all the stakeholders in the criminal justice system should play an important role in effectively implementing the Criminal Code.
Banke District Court Judge Bhishma Raj Prasai said that the Penal Code has provided for legal remedy in all kinds of offences and the Code’s smooth implementation will help victims to get justice.
Facilitating the programme AF’s Lumbini Province Senior Coordinator Advocate Basanta Gautam described works done by the organisation under criminal justice. He said that detainees have not been able to fulfil their rights and there are problems in administering juvenile justice.
Banke Chief District Officer Khagendra Rijal, District Police Office Banke’s Chief Officer SP Tul Bahadur Karki, High Court Bar Association Chief Chitra Bahadur Shahi and other speakers emphasised stakeholders’ contribution to the effective implementation of criminal laws.
