Work for Judicial independence: CJ

Kathmandu, December 23-Chief Justice Dilip Kumar Paudel has called on lawyers, the Nepal Bar Association and the commoners to help main-tain the independence of the judiciary.

“Only an independent judiciary can protect the rights of the people,” he said, calling on everyone to help protect the independence of the judiciary.

“Since the law plays a major role for the development of society, everybody should respect law and work for the protection of the rule of law,” Paudel said, adding that lawyers can play a crucial to create an environment where law is respected.

Speaking at a programme organised here today to mark the golden jubilee of the Nepal Bar Association, he said, “The Constitution has given the judiciary the power to protect the rights of the people.”

The independence of the judiciary can be maintained by improving the relations between the bar and the bench, he said.

Chief of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, Ian Martin, said that the rule of law and court orders have been undermined by the executives in the recent past and currently. Lawyers’ role in providing justice would be seen only when there is an independent, impartial and competent judiciary, he said.

“Lawyers who show integrity and competence in their work are instrumental in ensuring that the judiciary too meets the highest standards of integrity and competence in providing justice and protecting the rights of the people,” Martin added.

He expressed serious concern over the rearrest of people from the Supreme Court premises even after their release on habeas corpus cases. The recently re-promulgated Terrorists and Disruptive Activities Control and Punishment Ordinance (TADO) is inconsistence with the international rights laws signed by the government, he said.