Parliamentary committee asks government to seek explanation from rights groups
Summary
A parliamentary committee in Nepal has asked the government to seek explanations from Amnesty International, the ICJ and Human Rights Watch over a statement criticizing alleged political interference in the judiciary. Rights advocates say the committee is overstepping its mandate, while the government insists the organisations must substantiate their claims.
Key Points
- The House of Representatives' Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee told the government to ask three international rights groups for evidence backing their July 24 joint statement on Nepal's judiciary.
- The statement alleged political interference, pressure on Supreme Court justices and concerns over the Constitutional Council ordinance and the appointment of Manoj Kumar Sharma as chief justice.
- Rights advocates, lawyers and some committee members argued the committee was exceeding its constitutional role by debating the statement instead of scrutinising the government.
- Law Minister Sobita Gautam defended the government's objections, while Amnesty International Nepal and the ICJ said they stood by the statement and would not reveal confidential sources.
