Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, has demanded additional time to conclude a bill relating to transitional justice.
During a meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives held on Sunday, Minister Gurung, said although bill was being prepared to conclude transitional justice, some more days were required to finalize it. Additional debates are needed for further clarity on some issues relating to the conflict victims and justice, he added.
"Provisions as forwarding prosecution if victims' consent eludes; and how punishment could be decided if prosecution is forwarded need discussion," he informed the meeting, seeking clarity on this significant legislation process.
On the occasion, NC Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak underlined the need of adopting international standard and the process that ensures justice to the victims.
Chief Whip of CPN UML, Mahesh Bartaula, also said conflict victims' rights to justice must not be ignored in the bill. "In any case of conflict, regular legal proceeding could be adopted," he viewed.
Other members of the Committee as Sushil Sharma, Ranju Kumari Jha, Naina Kala Thapa, Nagina Yadav, Sobita Gutam, and Santosh Pariyar said the conflict victims must not be deprived transitional justice.
Committee Chairperson Bimala Subedi however informed that an integrated draft of bill will be prepared by incorporating the issues raised on it, and presented and passed by the Committee.
