PIL against cast discrimination

Kathmandu Nov 18-A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed at the Supreme Court on Thursday seeking the apex court’s order to government including the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to promulgate a law to criminalise caste discrimination.

Sukalal Nepali filed the petition seeking the SC’s mandamus order to the government to promulgate a specific law on the issue, claiming, “The current legal provision has failed to punish the accused even after abolishing caste-based discrimination.”

The petitioner further claimed that the Adalko Mahal Chapter of Muluki Ain (Civil Act) 2020 BS abolished caste-based discrimination 42 years ago but it has failed to curb inhuman behaviour.

The petitioner said local authorities, including District Development Committees, municipalities and Village Development Committees should have the power to monitor such behaviour if people commit such social crimes.

“Due to lack of legal provisions, lower caste people are deprived of rights guaranteed by Articles 11(3), (4) 12, 23 and 88 of the Constitution,” the petitioner added.