PM Dahal insists on effective enforcement of National Code

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has underlined the need of implementing the National Code effectively.

 In his address to a programme organised by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on the occasion of the Code Day-2080 on Friday at his Office, the head of the government said, "The effective enforcement of laws should be ensured to advance nation towards good governance. It is mandated." He also urged one and all to contribute towards the implementation of laws including the Civil Code.

The Prime Minister went on to say that some laws and legal provisions needed to be revised for compatibility with time and it would happen by a process. Implementation aspect should also be a collective priority of all stakeholders concerned.

Acting Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha said judiciary was doing its best to ensure the effective enforcement of the National Code. "But its full implementation is still awaited."

He also shared about the budgetary constraint that judiciary is facing to implement laws and maintain uniformity in their practices.

Similarly, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, pressed an idea of reviewing the implementation of the National Code when it completes five years since coming into effect.

Attorney General Dr Dinmani Pokhrel viewed, "The Code has progressive provisions for punishment, but specific approaches like concept of an open prison is yet to be implemented. Reforms are necessary in prison. Progressive attitude is needed to treat inmates who are minors."

On the occasion, former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha viewed law should be beneficial to all rather than exceptional. Also the coordinator of Code formulation taskforce, Shrestha underscored the need of professional enforcement of law. He however admitted that there were weaknesses in the early phase of implementation. Only amendment of law is not solution either, according to him.

"Law should be equal to all and foster development and democracy," he reiterated. Shrestha reminded that the Code was brought for public good, security and justice. It is a progressive law.

Similarly, Chairman of Nepal Bar Association, Gopal Krishna Ghimire, said effective implementation of law is imperative for strong and competent system.

Nepal has the history that it got first Civil Code in 1910BS.

Currently, we have the Civil and Criminal Codes enforced since Bhadra 1, 2075BS.

-----