The Compromised Dignity of the Attorney General's Office in Nepal
Summary
The Attorney General's office in Nepal faces criticism for political interference in prosecutions, undermining justice and constitutional duties, with multiple controversial cases highlighting misuse of authority.
Key Points
- The Attorney General of Nepal is constitutionally the chief legal advisor and has final authority over prosecutions on behalf of the government, but this power has been misused for political interests.
- Several high-profile cases—including the Rautahat bomb blast, Dekendra Khadka murder, Bal Mandir land lease, and human trafficking charges against a provincial minister—show politicized decisions impacting justice.
- The Supreme Court has ruled that the Attorney General's authority is subject to judicial review and cannot override court jurisdiction, emphasizing protection of victims' rights.
- The position's political dependency on the Prime Minister compromises the independence and dignity of the Attorney General's office, raising calls for reform.
