2 December 2024, Kathmandu: Advocacy Forum-Nepal (AF), in collaboration with the District Court Banke and the District Court Bar Association, organized a consultation meeting on Sunday to discuss criminal justice, its implementation status, and potential avenues for reform.
District Court Judge Bhishma Raj Prasai presented a paper during the event, outlining legal provisions related to criminal justice, the current status of their implementation, challenges encountered, and areas for reform. In his presentation, Judge Prasai highlighted key issues in crime investigation, prosecution, and the dispensation of justice.
Speaking at the event, AF’s Lumbini Province Senior Coordinator, Basanta Gautam, noted that incidents of torture and illegal detention remain prevalent in police custody. He further revealed that AF’s monitoring has uncovered instances of detainees being denied the opportunity to record their statements freely, being held in custody without proper documentation, and numerous issues within the juvenile justice system.
Criminal justice stakeholders present at the program collectively expressed their commitment to addressing the shortcomings in the implementation of criminal justice and to strengthening coordination among themselves.
The program was presided over by District Bar Association Chairperson Mehar Singh Khatri, with High Court Tulsipur’s Nepalgunj Bench Judge Chandra Bahadur Saru attending as the chief guest. Advocate Gautam facilitated the event.
Other notable attendees included Joint Attorney at the High Court Attorney Office Ashok Raj Regmi, District Attorney Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Banke Chief District Officer Khagendra Prasad Rijal, District Police Office Banke Chief SP Tul Bahadur Karki, and Child Reform Home Naubasta Chief Shyam Bahadur Rana.
