Kathmandu, Dec 23: Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut has stated that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has been playing a vital role in strengthening Nepal’s criminal justice system.
Speaking at a programme organized on the occasion of the OAG’s 75th anniversary today, Chief Justice Raut said that while prosecution has improved, it still requires more scientific and effective investigation. He emphasized that the proper enforcement of court verdicts is equally important for enabling citizens to experience justice in practice. Justice must remain vibrant to build a civilized society, he added.
Chief Justice Raut noted that weak and ineffective investigations make justice elusive and urged stakeholders to acknowledge and address questions raised by society.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha said that objective and in-depth analysis of legal issues is essential to achieving justice. He extended his best wishes for reform and professional success to the OAG.
Senior-most Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla stressed that investigations should be conducted with people at the center, ensuring justice for victims. She remarked that the judiciary is navigating a challenging period and emphasized that the demands of Gen Z must not be ignored. She also urged Gen Z youths to use digital platforms responsibly to help minimize digital crimes.
Attorney General Sabita Baral informed that the OAG has been working relentlessly toward reforming the criminal justice system. She stressed that attorney offices, being responsible for prosecution, must perform their duties with honesty and integrity.
Chairman of the Public Service Commission Madhav Prasad Regmi raised the question of whether prosecution is influenced given that the Attorney General also serves as the government’s legal adviser. However, he viewed it positively that more than 50 percent of attorneys have been recruited through the Public Service Commission examinations.
Chairman of the Nepal Bar Association, Prof Dr Bijay Prasad Mishra, expressed confidence that the OAG would succeed in ensuring justice through reforms in criminal prosecution.
Inspector General of Nepal Police Dan Bahadur Karki said the police are advancing criminal investigations in a more systematic and technology-friendly manner, adding that Nepal Police is working in close coordination with the OAG.
Deputy Attorney General Sanjiv Raj Regmi said that although the OAG offices were damaged during the September 8–9 Gen Z movement, services were promptly resumed after repairs. A total of 19 OAG offices sustained damage during the movement.
On the occasion, Joint Attorney Achyut Mani Neupane was honored as the Best Attorney, while 13 attorneys and OAG employees received various awards. Chief Justice Raut handed over the awards. Neupane said the recognition had increased his sense of responsibility and motivation. A special publication of the OAG was also released during the programme. #OAG #nepal #justice
