Draft bill presented to government

Kathmandu, Feb 21-Nepal Law Reforms Commission submitted the draft of the Administrative Officials (Judicial Procedure) Bill it had prepared to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on monday .

Among the administrative officers who have the responsibility of making judicial decisions also are the regional and zonal administrators, the chief district officers, the district land revenue officers, revenue officials and the forest officers.

The draft bill has made adequate provisions for hearings, providing adequate opportunity for defence, representation of the law practitioners and principles of natural justice like decision with reasons.

The draft bill has also made provisions for other legal and judicial procedures, namely forwarding the case, providing information to the defendant.

Receiving the draft bill, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Niranjan Thapa, said that the government would initiate from today the necessary works on a priority basis for bringing the bill to that effect.

The Minister also emphasised that the quasi-judicial government officers should work on a priority basis for strengthening the rule of law.Presenting the draft bill, vice-chairman of the commission Udaya Nepali Shrestha said the draft of the bill has been prepared so that there is uniformity in judicial decisions. Shrestha hoped the bill would help bring uniformity in judicial decisions and enhance the credibility of administrative officers.