Government Seeks to Bring Nepal Law Commission Under Political Control, Experts Object
Summary
The government has introduced a bill to bring the Nepal Law Commission under the direct leadership of the law minister, triggering strong objections from legal experts and the Nepal Bar Association. Critics say the move would weaken the commission’s independence, turn it into a political arm of the ministry, and damage Nepal’s law-making system.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has registered a bill to amend the Nepal Law Commission Act, 2063 and place the law minister as chairperson of the commission.
- Legal experts and the Nepal Bar Association say the proposal would undermine the commission’s independence, academic role and constitutional oversight function.
- Critics warn the change could lead to politically driven appointments, weaker checks and balances, and lower trust from the international community.
- The Bar has formally asked the government to withdraw or revise the amendment proposal and preserve the commission’s autonomy.
